Paul Goldfinger,  Editor   Blofginger.net

When we first witnessed this spring event in our small Grovarian backyard pond, we thought the fish were fighting.  But we later learned that the fish were knocking around females with eggs ready to go.  After the eggs are released the males can take over the job of fertilization. So what we see is a mating ritual.  But who’s on first?  I don’t know.

Babies will hatch in summer, but they are very tiny and transparent. That’s to protect them from the bigger fish who enjoy feasting on babies.   Quite a few hatch, but only a handful survive in the pond,

When they become visible they are larger and less likely to become lunch.  As they mature, their colors change.  We have some all black fish as well as some white with blotches of orange.  Most, however are orange.

The pond is small, so they won’t get too large, but they will grow.  The pond cannot accommodate an infinite amount of fish, so sometimes we have to engage in population control and take some to the fish orphanage at Monmouth Feeds in Farmingdale where they will have a good home until somebody with a big pond adopts  (ie buys) them.

HUGH JACKMAN:   “The Surrey With the Fish on Top.”  From Oklahoma.