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32 • Nebraska Game and Parks Commission � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � create more deep water to hinder the growth of submergent vegetation. If a pond owner insists, grass carp should only be stocked in ponds which have severe submerged vegetation problems that are negatively affecting fish populations. They will have no appreciable effect on algae species commonly referred to as moss or pond scum. Grass carp should only be stocked at a density of no more than 5 fish per vegetated acre to control plants or 15 per vegetated acre to eliminate them. Stocked fish should be at least 10 inches long to ensure high survival. Successful grass carp reproduction has not been documented in a pond or lake. Species to Avoid The following species should not be stocked in ponds. If undesirable fish are already established, they may have to be eliminated before the pond is stocked with the recommended stocking combination. Gizzard Shad Gizzard shad are silvery colored with a dark spot near the head and a sharp, saw-like ridge on their bellies. Although shad can be the primary food source for large game fish in large reservoirs, they are not recommended for ponds. Shad spawn from spring into summer by scattering eggs randomly in shallow water. This produces very high numbers of young shad that feed on the same invertebrates as bluegills and small bass, negatively impacting survival, growth, and body condition of young-of-the-year bass and bluegill of all ages. An overabundant population of shad can also consume most of the zooplankton, which are capable of controlling nuisance algae species. This can lead to extensive algae blooms. Adult shad normally grow too large for most bass to eat. Fathead Minnow Fathead minnows are dull, silvery-colored baitfish that grow to about 3 inches in length. Fatheads feed on small invertebrates and plant material. They are hardy and very prolific. Eggs are deposited on the underside of submerged tree branches, aquatic vegetation, or boards placed in the water for that purpose. Since they spawn several times throughout the summer, they can produce very large numbers of young. An overabundant population of fatheads can remove most of the zooplankton and lead to extensive algae blooms. Fatheads should not be stocked in ponds to accelerate initial bass growth. Extremely high populations of minnows have been found to directly compete with stocked fingerling largemouth bass and bluegills, resulting in poor survival of their offspring. Although the young bass that survive to eat the minnows grow well, they will be low in number. The bluegill population may not be able to expand until the fatheads are eliminated by disease and/or predators. Although fatheads are excellent prey for smaller bass, bluegills are a better suited prey for adult bass. Fathead minnows can be used in channel catfish-only ponds, see page 36 for details. GIZZARD SHAD See page 55 for details on removing or controlling unwanted fish species. See page 63 for additional vegetation control information and page 65 for more about grass carp. FATHEAD MINNOW