Breeding and growth

[bekko]

I don't think we have control over it.

It is the process of developing eggs which robs resources that would otherwise be used for growth. It does not matter that it occurs in fall, winter and spring - those are still resources (lipid reserves and what-not) that could be used for growth. Keeping the sexes separate may prevent actual spawning. However, keeping the sexes separate may not prevent eggs from developing in the ovary.

Whether or not keeping the sexes separate has any influence at all on ovarian development is a gray area. I think SMG was looking into that a few years ago. Maybe someone remembers what she had to say about it.

-stev

[l113892]

I agree that females will produce eggs in any environment but that gravid females don't tend to release their eggs in sterile environments- i.e. no plants. I have not had a spawn in my pond to my knowledge but two of my females spawned in the show tank last Memorial Day weekend.

I was told that spawning adversely affects growth so I will attempt to only have females in the show tank this May. It probably won't matter in the August show but I may want to be careful then also. JR told me growth would be compromised.