An unexpected bonus!

[peter mccue]

Here's an interesting one chaps,

 

Yesterday I decided to clean the pond out. Once I'd got the level down far enough, my lad was in there like a shot with the net getting the fish out.

 

It had been a good spawning year & when we took the fry into the kitchen to have a good look, in amongst the expected Goldfish & Orfe were Dace & Gudgeon!!

 

Now the adult Dace & Gudgeon were in the pond obviously, but the logical conclusion is that they have spawned, which baffles me. :confused:

 

As far as I'm aware both these species spawn in running water, or does anyone know any different?

 

I do have an upper pond which has water running through it, so theoretically they could have done the deed there. However there is the small matter of a foot high waterfall to negotiate to get in there & frankly I'm doubtful they'd make it.

 

I'm chuffed to death they're in there though.

 

Any thoughts guys?

[Ed Matysiak]

Gudgeon can spawn in still water time and time again but im pretty sure dace can't. Very odd!

[peter mccue]

Koi, having done a bit of digging about, I find no less an authority than Buller & Falkus agree with you.

 

Apparently Gudgeon do thrive & breed in some stillwaters, so maybe thats the Gudgeon query sorted. Mind my pond environment must be pretty good if the Gudgeon are happy enough to breed.

 

Still leaves the Dace puzzle though as I can find no mention of them breeding in stillwaters, however, I know there is a few stillwaters with healthy populations in them.

 

Wouldn't be half the fun if we had no questions would it.