The Fish of Meadowlark Ranch
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The fish that reside in the ponds of
Meadowlark Ranch can be generally categorized as either predators, forage fish,
or pond maintenance fish. However, some fish serve multiple functions and some
fish serve basically no function (i.e. decoration). The table below lists each
species of fish that are present in the ponds on Meadowlark Ranch and provides
the linkage to their descriptions as they are employed in the various ponds.
Since it requires about 5 pounds of live
forage for annual maintenance and 10 pounds of forage to add 1 pound of weight
gain to LMB, forage fish are extremely critical to a growing predator
population in ponds. Because of this criticality, forage fish are the focus of
continuing experimentation on Meadowlark Ranch.
In an effort to enhance
the forage fish, an experiment entitled, "Redneck Aquaculture", is currently in
progress. The purpose of this experiment is to develop methods for over
wintering and growing out fish for later introduction into the ponds. Tilapia,
Pacu, and Texas Rio's are the focus of this initial experiment. The progress of
this experiment, so named for the fish tank shown below (making positive use
out of something no longer being used, Redneck Aquaculture), will be documented
herein periodically.
UPDATE
SPRING 07
Following three months in the REDAS system
and with temps warming, the fish are ready to
move into the ponds. Here is a summary of
this grow-out season:
PACU, 6 stocked at about 2 inches Jan. 07 and
6 removed at about 10 inches and 1 pound April 1
07
Tilapia, 55 stocked at an average of about 4
or 5 inches Jan. 07 and 54 removed at an average
of 8 inches with many at 10 inches and 3/4
pound.
Gambusia: 6 stocked, 4 removed
Fatheads: 6 stocked, none removed
The capacity of the system can now be
reasonably estimated to be about 30 pounds of
fish. Beyond that point, filter changes become
overly frequent, water changes more frequent and
larger, and ammonia levels on the rise.
There was no spawning during this period, in
spite of water temps in the low 80's.
Pictured below is a typical Tilapia ready to
go into outdoor ponds to do its thing.
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