wes79
Well-known member
The other thing is these venues are typically match venues where fish are dropped into keepnets for hours at a time. That goes against everything Ive been taught about barbel care.
couldn't agree more mate.
---------- Post added at 14:44 ---------- Previous post was at 14:27 ----------
I've seen stillwater Barbel in far better shape and condition compared to some of the big fat pop bellied river Barbel people post pics of or the ones that end up in the comics because they are doubles.
Just out of curiosity, have you seen a 10-15 year old still water Barbel?
I would be interested to see what one really looks like, if it is lean, are the flanks firm and do they reflect the amount of usage over its life period, does it carry any extra fat for the winter, can a fish relegated from its enviromental feeding dominance in its natural habitat reach its full potential (like in Spanish rivers) etc etc.
I'm not convinced it is a good idea putting Barbel in still waters but that opinion I hold shouldn't fear the scrutiny of comparison between the two fish from differing environments and the outcomes, as I have faith that time will tell.
My main worry (amongst others already mentioned) is the genetic diversity being completely closed off in ponds/lakes, left at the mercy of to few milt and egg doners and elevation of inbreeding depression left to take its natural course and so is leaving the susceptibility for genetic disease to arise more often if its already contained in one particular still water. This cannot be simply avoided by "regular stockings" of reared Barbel as these to are normally produced from even fewer milt and egg donors.
If I had to make a prediction, it would be one based upon the variation contained within Barbel species, losing some of its instinctual abilities, like being able to hold a position in extremely fast water, almost effortlessly, as what is not used will eventually be rejected, but again that is just my opinion of why Barbel are shaped the way they are and why, when given the choice, naturally seek out highly oxygenated water, the choices seem a little restricted and based on depreciation of conditions, which have to be artificially maintained just to give what is a sub standard habitat.
Time will tell.
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