| Well......some years ago, friends told me this happened to their Orfe but as they'd had a few drinks at the time I wasn't sure whether to believe them or not....I should have!
Went to feed the fish this morning, was walking back to the house when I heard frenzied splashing in the pond. A large Shubunkin (about 9-10") was leaping out of the water and thrashing about. Rushed back to the ponds and saw to my horror it had a large male Stickleback stuck in its mouth!
Ran for the net, and caught the Shubunkin. Had to wait a few seconds for it to calm down in the net - and then managed to hold the Stickleback by the tail and 'ease' it from the Shubunkins mouth. (Not very easy because of the spines and 'spurs')
It all only took about 20 seconds. The Shubunkin swam away looking non the worse for wear(time will tell)and as the Stickleback was still alive I put it in the Wildlife pond (now also teeming with baby Sticklebacks)
I don't know if the Stickleback attacked the fish as it was
grabbing pellets near a nest or they both went for the same food at the same time, but I have way too many Sticklebacks in the fish ponds so I think it's time I gritted my teeth and did a bit of culling.
I've given lots away but it never seems to put a dent in the population.
So if you have Sticklebacks in with large fish, be warned...it CAN happen!
Sue
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