Subject: Can Fathead Minnows Ruin Pond?

From: [email-masked] (John D Pruett)
Date: Sun, 16 Jul 1995 18:26:18 GMT

I have recently stocked a pond and the Arkansas fish producers 
recommended that I put fathead minnows in the pond.  I stocked the pond 
with bluegill and largemouth.  I am afraid the pond may me slightly 
overstocked.  Would dumping fathead minnows prevent my fish from becoming 
stunted?  I was afraid to put them in initially because i know that 
minnows some sometimes overtake a pond, or at least i have heard this.  
I was also told that fathead minnows will not get any larger than 4".  Is 
this also true?  Can anyone make any recommendations.  Maybe I should try 
to locate someone at Auburn University?

John

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From: [email-masked] (John D Pruett)
Date: Wed, 26 Jul 1995 22:21:58 GMT

John D Pruett ([email-masked]) wrote:
: I have recently stocked a pond and the Arkansas fish producers 
: recommended that I put fathead minnows in the pond.  I stocked the pond 
: with bluegill and largemouth.  I am afraid the pond may me slightly 
: overstocked.  Would dumping fathead minnows prevent my fish from becoming 
: stunted?  I was afraid to put them in initially because i know that 
: minnows some sometimes overtake a pond, or at least i have heard this.  
: I was also told that fathead minnows will not get any larger than 4".  Is 
: this also true?  Can anyone make any recommendations.  Maybe I should try 
: to locate someone at Auburn University?

: John

I have gotten my question answered via e-mail and I was wondering if I 
was supposed to erase this article.  Is that possible?

jp

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From: [email-masked] (John D Pruett)
Date: Fri, 28 Jul 1995 05:21:57 GMT

I must say that this group has been very supportive.  I have been given a 
reply by Mr. Meredith and I would like to say that I appreciate the 
support.  I have not followed up on his contacts, but I believe as anyone 
who you could find to sell you fathead minnows will tell you, they are 
good for your pond.  When I follow up on Mr. Meredith's advice, I will 
advise all in this newsgroup.  I am sure there are several people with 
small ponds who would like to know if these little critters are the best 
source of food supply and nutrition available (with little effort of 
course).  Thanks for your patience and I hope to provide some enlightenment.

jp