The question was raised concerning the use of aquatic plants in
an earthern pond in southern Alabama containing game fish. Which
aquatic plants are well-behaved and, at the same time, are good
for the fish?
"Specialty Nurseries" by Barbara J. Barton, one of the books in
the 'Taylor's Guide series', lists a number of the better specialty
nurseries including nurseries that specialize in aquatic plants.
The three big ones for your area are:
Maryland Aquatic Plants in Jarrettsville, Md., (301) 557-7615;
Wickleein's Aquatic Farm & Nursery in Baltimore, Md., (301) 823-1335;
Lilypons Water Gardens in Brookshire, Tx., (713) 391-0076.
The "trick" is to build an ecosystem in which the plants feed oxygen
and other nutrients to the fish and the fish, in turn, feed nutrients
back to the plants. The right mix of plants, fish, sunlight, and air
can do great things. My hunch is that the above specialty nurseries
may be able to aim you in the right direction.