3 replies to this topic

[PondNewby]

I am getting some Bluegill/Redear hybrid sunfish fry for my smallish (1/4 acre) fish pond.  I'm just wondering if crossing those back to a different pure sunfish strain would have any potential.  I was thinking about trying to use a warmouth which would be a substitute for the green sunfish,  often used but not native to my area (Florida.). I have very little knowledge of the basics of hybridization and no idea whether it is productive to go beyond 2 types of sunfish.  Maybe a better question would be, "Is there reference material explaining the basics of the hybrid phenomena?"

[centrarchid]

Most hybrids you have so far are likely male.  Choose a couple nice big and pretty males for the cross.  Females of that cross have had very low fertility for me.  Then add a couple female Warmouth that have good bellies.  Just a couple spawns will saturate your ponds late season productivity.  Hopefully the Bluegill side overrides the Redear wanting to conclude breeding season, otherwise wait for next season.

[PondNewby]

Okay, thanks for the help.  At least I know now that crossing an F1 with a third "pure-strain" sunfish is not taboo.  I probably won't get this happening 'til next season.  Pardon my lack of proper terms to describe all this.

[centrarchid]

Some natural populations are a product of two and possibly three way hybrids long ago.  You represent one.  A few years back such thoughts would come across as heresy I think even among the purist fish geeks.  I know that to be so with some as had to deal with the repercussions from them.