07-30-2012, 11:36 AM
[cool][#0000ff]As we know from other "strange" species popping up where they are not supposed to be, it is difficult to know for certain what their origins are. We can blame it on aquarium dumpers, bucket biologists or accidental inclusion in planned plantings by DWR. The purty little "punkinseeds" are not as prolific or invasive as many other species and are usually no more than a part of the overall mix...or a rare novelty...even in some of their native habitats in the south and east.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Yes, redears are also commonly called "shellcrackers" back east. They eat freshwater clams and snails...and small crawdads. Down in the New Orleans area we used to seine out some good sized freshwater shrimp to use for bait and those feisty redears loved 'em.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]They do get big. Here is a pic of one caught by former BFTer "Xman" on a visit down in Arizona.[/#0000ff]
[inline "XMAN REDEAR.jpg"]
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[#0000ff]And here is a pic of a pending record 5.5# from Lake Havasu...on the Colorado River...where they eat quagga mussels.[/#0000ff]
[inline "RECORD REDEAR.jpg"]
[signature]
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[#0000ff]Yes, redears are also commonly called "shellcrackers" back east. They eat freshwater clams and snails...and small crawdads. Down in the New Orleans area we used to seine out some good sized freshwater shrimp to use for bait and those feisty redears loved 'em.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]They do get big. Here is a pic of one caught by former BFTer "Xman" on a visit down in Arizona.[/#0000ff]
[inline "XMAN REDEAR.jpg"]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]And here is a pic of a pending record 5.5# from Lake Havasu...on the Colorado River...where they eat quagga mussels.[/#0000ff]
[inline "RECORD REDEAR.jpg"]
[signature]