Great shot Matt! You also hit it on the head with your theory on the interconnected canals. I think we have so much water down here that it doesnt make much of a difference. For the most part of the U.S, exotics are invasive because they are in a lake or in a small waterway or river...here we have as many canals as we have roads...their is more than enough room for all the fish. People like to complain about Snakeheads, but Ive seen SH in the same canal, and often swimming WITH LMB, Sunfish and Gars. In addition to that we have our fair share of exotics flourishing next to our natives. I think its super hypocritical that our govt bans certain fish for fear of the sporadic release from hobbyist...while they themselves release grass carp, peacock bass, and others purposely....by the thousands.
Monster PBs caught in 2007
- Thread starter JuanTamad
- Start date
But again as you said one of the key factors here is the water temp. Florida has most likely the warmest water temperature climates in the us ( other then yellowstone but that is a different beast) so that is likely for now the only place where these species ( most of them snakehead are ****ing up the Chesapeake bay area) are likely to take a footing.
One thing that worries me though is that the above may change we are talking about nature and it does find ways around such obstacles especially given enough generations! Eventually these fish may become cold climate fish and start moving to other locales where they may become a detriment to the locals. While it is good to hear that the Gars and LMB are alright they are not the concern if you think about it, the concern lies in what they themselves eat being eaten moreso by and invasive species.
On those pacus there is not much you can do about them other then fish them out once they get to a certain size there is nothing that is going to touch them save maybe a Bullshark.
One thing that worries me though is that the above may change we are talking about nature and it does find ways around such obstacles especially given enough generations! Eventually these fish may become cold climate fish and start moving to other locales where they may become a detriment to the locals. While it is good to hear that the Gars and LMB are alright they are not the concern if you think about it, the concern lies in what they themselves eat being eaten moreso by and invasive species.
On those pacus there is not much you can do about them other then fish them out once they get to a certain size there is nothing that is going to touch them save maybe a Bullshark.
I think when a new species is introduced to a new body of waters, we might experience a sudden population increase if this species managed to fill the biological niche of the ecosystem. I think this is due to some of the original inhabitants not used to the new 'neighbour' hence fallen prey to them. But after a round of natural selections, the new equillibrium is found and nature finds a way to survive.
To say that none of the native species will be sacrificed in every case of exotic introduction is totally BS. There are just too many variables to calculate or project the outcome. On the opposite extreme, some is highly sensationalized by the media. I think at the end of the day we will have to look at the big picture. Granted, not everybody agrees on the big picture but democratically speaking, majority wins.
Another example would be damming river system to form a lake. We are actually influencing the evolutionary path of riverine fish species to adapt in lucustrine enviroment. This could cause extinction of other species along the line. Same goes to Florida Peacock. Slowly but surely the evolution will cause the Pbass to move north like the above thread says, but I doubt it will happen in our life time. Like I said, not everyone agrees with the 'big picture' but what can we do?
To say that none of the native species will be sacrificed in every case of exotic introduction is totally BS. There are just too many variables to calculate or project the outcome. On the opposite extreme, some is highly sensationalized by the media. I think at the end of the day we will have to look at the big picture. Granted, not everybody agrees on the big picture but democratically speaking, majority wins.
Another example would be damming river system to form a lake. We are actually influencing the evolutionary path of riverine fish species to adapt in lucustrine enviroment. This could cause extinction of other species along the line. Same goes to Florida Peacock. Slowly but surely the evolution will cause the Pbass to move north like the above thread says, but I doubt it will happen in our life time. Like I said, not everyone agrees with the 'big picture' but what can we do?
I dont think that the only thing that gar and lmb have to worry about is their food supply being eaten by the non-natives. It's just as much small lmb and gar being eaten by big, non-native predators.
Caught a 13" very nice looking male Pea earlier. Check out the link on the story line for that catch.
Just stopped by to have lunch, share this. Heading back out for more fishing.
Story line of early morning catch
Just stopped by to have lunch, share this. Heading back out for more fishing.
Story line of early morning catch
This male PB would have been # 17 being one of the two monster sized PB that I lost yesterday.
Well, went back to the same spot and it was back with it's mate.
Landed it for # 16 monster and it's mate was only 15+ inch and # 54 for 70 total catch for the year. Here's the males' pic, the female's pic is at my fishing section and Photo forum threads.
Well, went back to the same spot and it was back with it's mate.
Landed it for # 16 monster and it's mate was only 15+ inch and # 54 for 70 total catch for the year. Here's the males' pic, the female's pic is at my fishing section and Photo forum threads.
Caught this Monster sized male together with it's mate earlier today. It's 17+ inch with its partner measuring over 14 inch.
Decided to keep both to replace a 20 inch male and its mate. Decided to grill that pair and had it for lunch. That pair was on sale in the Buy/Sell section. But the thread it was on was basically thrashed and derailed by a frequent seller from Southern California. Pics of the new pair are in my Nice Pairs thread in the Photo forum while the female's pic being less than 17 inch is in my Latest Catches thread in the Fishing section.
Decided to keep both to replace a 20 inch male and its mate. Decided to grill that pair and had it for lunch. That pair was on sale in the Buy/Sell section. But the thread it was on was basically thrashed and derailed by a frequent seller from Southern California. Pics of the new pair are in my Nice Pairs thread in the Photo forum while the female's pic being less than 17 inch is in my Latest Catches thread in the Fishing section.
