Normally when plant control comes into mind and it’s biological control the solution is caterpillars. Now these caterpillars still work for siding in control of a lot of species that float or emerge but does very little for submerged species. While studying lately I’ve noticed the main fish used is a grass carp. At this moment it seems they are not considered invasive and there are even sterile fishes for sale at a commercial level. But we heard the same story with dozens of introduced species. They were not invasive until they were.
Being a good steward of the land means ensuring habitats are not destroyed and that biodiversity remains good. Most ponds nowadays , as far as residential garden ponds, tend to be non vernal, labored with liner which is covered by pebbles , gravel and stones and the water is primarily oxygenated with waterfalls , air rocks or some other feature since it’s surface area is not enough to supply everything that’s required. Especially if the pond is over stocked with something like koi.
I know there is obviously 2 best candidates in this group to a set this question but I thought maybe it would be more beneficial as a public thread incase anyone sow the road wants to ever add a pond to their landscape. It’s a growing trend.
What I’m curious about is freshwater native species of fish that are generalist. Though specialist are cool as well. Looking for biological control to help maintain healthier ecosystems while also supporting native fish versus just using chemicals and manual removal. Obviously thins like good filters , keeping debris from falling in an sinking T the bottom decaying and releasing nutrients into the pond for the plants to feed off of and even things like hooking up your irrigation system , or some of the lines or a pump and hose to move that water into the garden and refill with freshwater will all help keep biomass explosion.
When looking up the dietary habitats of freshwater herbivorous fish or the plants they focus on as omnivorous fish was not resulting in much info. Anyone know of any good books that dig into this issue?