Peacock Bass in Upstate SC?
Is there a reasonable, economically sound means of heating a section of a 1 acre farm pond over the winter monts in order to sustain a population of peacock bass and mayan cichclids over winter? Our winters here are mild, but Peacock Mortality starts at around 50 degrees I think…I would LOVE to be able to fish for these year round, and away from FL…I know it’s a long shot, but worth a try!
I don’t think it’s a long shot, you just need the right connections and deep pockets. If Orlando can have a fishery of Baramundi ( a UK fish similar to snook) then you can have Peacock bass and Mayans. There is a small problem with the idea though. Peacocks were introduced to Florida in 1984 to control the exotic fish here ( like the Mayan) and cannot tolerate temperatures below 60 degrees or salt content above 18ppt. You’re gonna need deep pockets just to set up a fishery in your 1 acre pond. It’s not really worth it by any means. Had you a 5 or more acre site, then ya, I’d go for broke and invite locals to catch exotics for a fee. If I were you, just pump a few catfish in there and have a blast. We’re trying to get rid of Mayans and here you are trying to raise them…what do you think that sc fisheries will say about that?
August 22nd, 2009 at 9:41 pm
Go ahead and try but if they cost to too much don’t try it.
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August 22nd, 2009 at 10:06 pm
Maybe a geothermal well and circulating pump would be the most practical over the long haul but the initial cost could be prohibitive. If the system were somehow tied into your home HVAC unit it might be more economically feasible. Consult a home heating and cooling expert for cost.
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August 22nd, 2009 at 10:50 pm
I don’t think it’s a long shot, you just need the right connections and deep pockets. If Orlando can have a fishery of Baramundi ( a UK fish similar to snook) then you can have Peacock bass and Mayans. There is a small problem with the idea though. Peacocks were introduced to Florida in 1984 to control the exotic fish here ( like the Mayan) and cannot tolerate temperatures below 60 degrees or salt content above 18ppt. You’re gonna need deep pockets just to set up a fishery in your 1 acre pond. It’s not really worth it by any means. Had you a 5 or more acre site, then ya, I’d go for broke and invite locals to catch exotics for a fee. If I were you, just pump a few catfish in there and have a blast. We’re trying to get rid of Mayans and here you are trying to raise them…what do you think that sc fisheries will say about that?
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August 22nd, 2009 at 11:19 pm
in the U S, the reason that you find peacock bass only in south Florida, is because elsewhere, the water gets too cold.
unless you have a source for massive amounts of warm water, they will start dying at about 60 degrees
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August 22nd, 2009 at 11:34 pm
always said when i win the lotto i’m taking the family to brazil peacock bass fishing, may be go to your place instead.. just asoon keep us money in the us huh?! good luck
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August 22nd, 2009 at 11:49 pm
You might check with the Wildlife agency before, to find out if it is legal to introduce them into South Carolina…Many species are not allowed…If it is legal, I can’t think of any economical way to heat a one acre pond….
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August 23rd, 2009 at 12:22 am
Maybe you could add some little streams extending from your pond, that would be easier to heat & require less energy to heat. Maybe a little canal that is about 10 feet wide, and maybe 1-2 feet deep in the middle, getting less deep as it goes away from the middle. Dig it so it extends about 40-50 feet out from the pond, and just heat it instead of the whole pond. maybe just make a small stream connecting your pond to a smaller heated pond. If there is heat peacock bass will find it.
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