Okay, I have found a healthy population of beautiful sunfish that I would like to add to my backyard pond. I do not, however, want to introduce any diseases, and of course I want them to survive. Assuming I could obtain them legally, etc, what is the best procedure to adjust newly caught wild fish to captivity, as well as to insure that diseases are not brought with them?
Wild Caught Native Fish
- Thread starter badisbadis101
- Start date
Sunfish adapt easily but should be treated with metronidazole and praziquantel before adding to the pond, salt water dips repeated every day for 3 days also help to prevent introduction of such things as leeches.
A large (55-75, depending on the size of the sunnies) that is empty for a couple weeks of QT. You can also train them to take prepaired foods.
Just FYI:
Sunfish/bluegill is typically considered a non-game fish or a bait fish. This usually makes it legal to harvest and transplant. As always, each state is different. I am speaking just from my experience here in Texas, so you should be in the clear... unless Houston or the pond/lake you found the sunfish has some crazy restrictions. I'm doing the exact same thing for my 3000 gallon pond.
Sunfish/bluegill is typically considered a non-game fish or a bait fish. This usually makes it legal to harvest and transplant. As always, each state is different. I am speaking just from my experience here in Texas, so you should be in the clear... unless Houston or the pond/lake you found the sunfish has some crazy restrictions. I'm doing the exact same thing for my 3000 gallon pond.
thanks - i may or may not add these sunfish, but was wondering what it would take. In texas, i believe that if you legally obtain fish with a fishing license, you may do anything with the fish after you catch it
I have found them to be very tough and adapt well. Once acclimated they will take food right from your fingers. I agree with the quarantine, and also try and get them as small as possible. Young ones seem to adapt better.