Changes in the Benthic Community of a Small Precambrian Lake following the Introduction of Yellow Perch, Perca flavescens

1984 ◽  
Vol 41 (10) ◽  
pp. 1496-1501 ◽  
Author(s):  
John R. Post ◽  
Dan Cucin
Keyword(s):  
Benthic Community ◽  
Littoral Zone ◽  
Yellow Perch ◽  
Size Structure ◽  
Perca Flavescens ◽  
Fish Predation ◽  
Density Data ◽  
Lake Algonquin ◽  
Benthic Biomass ◽  
One Year

The introduction and proliferation of yellow perch, Perca flavescens, in Little Minnow Lake, Algonquin Park, Ontario, resulted in changes in biomass and size structure of the benthic community. Biomass, mean organism weight, and density data are presented for nine groups of benthic macroinvertebrates for two years before and one year after perch introduction. An approximately 60% reduction in total benthic biomass and an approximately 50% reduction in mean weights occurred in the littoral zone after perch introduction. Vertically migrating profundal benthos showed an approximately 30–60% reduction in mean organism weight but no significant change in biomass. We conclude that fish predation can significantly alter species composition, skew size structure towards smaller invertebrates, and reduce total benthic biomass.

Trophic interactions between yellow perch (Perca flavescens) and their benthic prey in a littoral zone community

1998 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan E Cobb ◽  
Mary C Watzin
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rates ◽  
Benthic Community ◽  
Littoral Zone ◽  
Yellow Perch ◽  
Perca Flavescens ◽  
Resource Limitation ◽  
Fish Predation ◽  
High Density ◽  
Density Treatment ◽  
Benthic Prey

Yellow perch (Perca flavescens) growth rates in northern Lake Champlain have declined in recent years while densities have increased, suggesting resource limitation. At high densities, predators have the potential to influence prey communities, but these effects can be highly complex. Using in situ mesh cages in an unmanipulated littoral zone setting, we examined the effects of two densities (0.5 and 1.5/m2) of yellow perch on (i) their growth and (ii) the abundance of major prey groups in the benthic community. Yellow perch growth rates were significantly lower in the high-density treatment than in the low-density treatment. Because site characteristics were not manipulated, measured covariates reflecting sediment and vegetation variation between cages were used to help clarify treatment effects on benthos. Fish predation on invertebrate prey was significant only in the high-density predator treatment for three of the six prey groups examined (predatory chironomids, prey chironomids, and isopods). For this littoral zone community, availability and abundance of benthic prey strongly influenced yellow perch growth rates; but the effect of yellow perch predation on benthic community structure was only moderate.

Effect of Zooplankton Abundance and Body Size on Growth of Age-0 Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens) in Oneida Lake, New York, 1975–86

1989 ◽  
Vol 46 (5) ◽  
pp. 880-886 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward L. Mills ◽  
Ruth Sherman ◽  
Douglas S. Robson
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Yellow Perch ◽  
Size Structure ◽  
Perca Flavescens ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Zooplankton Abundance ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Independent Variables ◽  
Oneida Lake ◽  
Taxonomic Groups

We examined an 11-yr (1975–86) field data set to determine whether annual differences in age-0 yellow perch (Perca flavescens) growth in weight were related to the abundance, size structure, and species composition of zooplankton in Oneida Lake, New York. A model for prediction of age-0 yellow perch weight was determined using a multiple regression technique; age-0 yellow perch wet weight (grams) was the dependent variable while age-0 yellow perch density, water temperature, calendar day, and cumulative biomass of both zooplankton taxonomic groups (daphnids, "other cladocerans," calanoids, cyclopoids, and nauplii) and zooplankton size classes (< 1.1 mm, 1.1–1.7 mm, and > 1.7 mm) were the independent variables. Analyses were based on an integrated approach where time was measured in cumulative temperature units and yellow perch weight was considered a function of the cumulative amount of food available. Below a cumulative temperature of 1350 °C∙d−1, none of the independent variables were related significantly (P < 0.05) to yellow perch weight. Beyond 1350 °C∙d−1 age-0 yellow perch weight was strongly correlated with the biomass of Daphnia and significant (P < 0.05) prey size variables shifted toward larger prey as fish grew. Our results indicate size- and species-based interactions between fish and zooplankton play an important role in regulating growth of age-0 fish.

Branching complexity and morphological characteristics of coarse woody structure as lacustrine fish habitat

2005 ◽  
Vol 62 (9) ◽  
pp. 2110-2123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael G Newbrey ◽  
Michael A Bozek ◽  
Martin J Jennings ◽  
James E Cook
Keyword(s):  
Littoral Zone ◽  
Yellow Perch ◽  
Fish Habitat ◽  
Lepomis Macrochirus ◽  
Perca Flavescens ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Smallmouth Bass ◽  
Micropterus Dolomieu ◽  
Rock Bass ◽  
Ambloplites Rupestris

The objective of this study was to quantify the physical characteristics of coarse woody structure (CWS) as fish habitat in a north temperate lake. Sixteen species of fish were observed in submerged CWS habitat. Branching complexity, distance above the bole, area below the bole, distance to other CWS, and water depth around CWS were significantly related to abundance of schooling cyprinids (Cyprinidae), rock bass (Ambloplites rupestris), smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu), bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), yellow perch (Perca flavescens), and walleye (Sander vitreus). Branching complexity was the most common characteristic of CWS related to richness, diversity, and total adult abundance of fish taxa, but was not correlated with the total lengths of fish found in submerged trees. Branching-complexity values ranged from 1 (simple) to 500 (moderately complex) in the littoral zone; for comparison, a living riparian conifer had a branching-complexity value of over 1000. Most CWS in the littoral zone was composed of simple trees without branching, but fish tended to inhabit CWS with branching-complexity values greater than 45. This study shows the importance of CWS with fine branching as littoral-zone fish habitat.

Impacts of altered benthic invertebrate communities on the feeding ecology of yellow perch (Perca flavescens) in metal-contaminated lakes

2005 ◽  
Vol 62 (1) ◽  
pp. 153-162 ◽  
Author(s):  
J Kövecses ◽  
G D Sherwood ◽  
J B Rasmussen
Keyword(s):  
Yellow Perch ◽  
Size Structure ◽  
Perca Flavescens ◽  
Stomach Contents ◽  
Benthic Invertebrate ◽  
Taxonomic Composition ◽  
Benthic Macroinvertebrate ◽  
Macroinvertebrate Communities ◽  
Trophic Links ◽  
Benthic Invertebrate Communities

Metal contamination can disrupt trophic links in food webs by altering the taxonomic composition and size structure of benthic macroinvertebrate communities. Benthic macroinvertebrates and yellow perch (Perca flavescens) were collected from six lakes along a gradient of cadmium (Cd) and copper (Cu) contamination in Quebec, Canada. The two most contaminated lakes had significantly lower densities of several benthic macroinvertebrate taxa and significantly lower Shannon's index than less contaminated lakes. The stomach contents of perch from the most contaminated lakes were less diverse, with a greater reliance on chironomids and (or) zooplankton than perch from other study lakes. The size of prey in perch from the most contaminated lakes did not increase with age and the mean prey size was smaller than in other, less contaminated lakes. Perch from lakes with medium to low levels of contamination weighed significantly more than perch from lakes with high levels of contamination. This reduction in growth is attributed to the increased costs of foraging on a simplified prey base in metal-contaminated systems.

Effect of Walleye (Stizostedion vitreum vitreum) Predation on Juvenile Mortality and Recruitment of Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens) in Oneida Lake, New York

1980 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Larry A. Nielsen
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Yellow Perch ◽  
Perca Flavescens ◽  
Fish Predation ◽  
Frequency Of Occurrence ◽  
Juvenile Mortality ◽  
Oneida Lake ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Class Strength ◽  
Lines Of Evidence

The abundance of 12 year-classes of yellow perch (Perca flavescens) in Oneida Lake, New York, was estimated at intervals between ages 0 and II from catch and area swept by trawls. Rankings of abundance of year-classes changed between the ends of the first and third growing seasons, suggesting that ultimate year-class strength was influenced strongly by mortality of age I and II fish. Predation by walleyes was probably the principal cause of mortality of age I and II perch. Although frequency of occurrence of age I and II perch in stomachs of walleyes was low, several lines of evidence suggested that density of juvenile perch also was low and that walleyes consumed a large proportion of each perch cohort. Rates of mortality were modified by perch length, perch density, and density of age 0 perch, all of which relate to intensity of walleye predation.Key words: yellow perch, walleye; mortality, predation; Oneida Lake

Effect of Competition Between Two Freshwater Fishes on Prey Consumption and Abundance

1986 ◽  
Vol 43 (7) ◽  
pp. 1363-1372 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Mark Hanson ◽  
William C. Leggett
Keyword(s):  
Interspecific Competition ◽  
Intraspecific Competition ◽  
Littoral Zone ◽  
Yellow Perch ◽  
Perca Flavescens ◽  
Lepomis Gibbosus ◽  
Fish Biomass ◽  
Gut Fullness ◽  
Total Fish ◽  
Food Consumed

The effect of inter- and intraspecific competition on the type and quantity of food consumed by fish, and on the abundance of macroinvertebrate prey, was examined by manipulating densities of yellow perch (Perca flavescens) and pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus) stocked into littoral zone enclosures at levels approximating 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 times the measured total fish biomass on the littoral zone. In intraspecific competition experiments, neither species showed a change in the type of prey eaten (principally macroinvertebrates). The amount of food eaten by yellow perch reared at high (26 g/m2) densities was significantly depressed relative to that of perch reared at low (6.5 g/m2) and natural (13 g/m2) densities. There were no significant differences in the amount of food eaten by pumpkinseed at the three fish densities. The gut fullness of pumpkinseed reared at high densities, however, was biased to a significant but unknown degree by the inclusion of a nonfood item, macrophyte fragments, in the estimates. No other fish consumed macrophytes. In interspecific competition experiments, the gut fullness of yellow perch and pumpkinseed reared together (combined density 13 g/m2) did not differ from that of fish reared alone at low or natural densities. The diet (principally macroinvertebrates) of the superior competitor, pumpkinseed, did not change relative to that of pumpkinseed reared alone. The inferior competitor, yellow perch, exhibited a significant change in diet. Microcrustaceans (an energetically inferior food) comprised 30–53% of the diet (by weight) of yellow perch reared with pumpkinseed compared with < 1% of the diet of perch reared alone. Total macroinvertebrate biomass and abundance were unaffected by differences in fish biomass in the enclosures.

Survival to hatching of fishes in sulfate-saline waters, Devils Lake, North Dakota

1995 ◽  
Vol 52 (3) ◽  
pp. 464-469 ◽  
Author(s):  
Todd M. Koel ◽  
John J. Peterka
Keyword(s):  
North Dakota ◽  
Sodium Sulfate ◽  
Yellow Perch ◽  
Hatching Success ◽  
Perca Flavescens ◽  
White Sucker ◽  
Catostomus Commersoni ◽  
Devils Lake ◽  
Common Carp Cyprinus Carpio ◽  
Species Survival

Laboratory-based bioassays were conducted to determine concentrations of sodium-sulfate type salinities that limit the hatching success of several fish species. Survival to hatching (SH) was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in sodium-sulfate type waters from Devils Lake, North Dakota, of ≥ 2400 mg/L total dissolved solids (TDS) than in fresh water of 200 mg/L. In waters of 200, 1150, 2400, 4250, and 6350 mg/L TDS, walleye (Stizostedion vitreum) SH was 41, 38, 7, 1, and 0%; northern pike (Esox lucius) SH was 92, 68, 33, 2, and 0%; yellow perch (Perca flavescens) SH was 88, 70, 73, 0, and 0%; white sucker (Catostomus commersoni) SH was 87, 95, 66, 0, and 0%; common carp (Cyprinus carpio) SH was 71, 69, 49, 63, and 25%.

Metabolic Stores of Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens): Comparison of Populations from an Acidic, Dystrophic Lake and Circumneutral, Mesotrophic Lakes

1992 ◽  
Vol 49 (12) ◽  
pp. 2474-2482 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jay A. Nelson ◽  
John J. Magnuson
Keyword(s):  
Yellow Perch ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Glycogen Content ◽  
Physiological State ◽  
Perca Flavescens ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Seasonal Effects ◽  
Life History Strategies ◽  
Dystrophic Lake ◽  
Lipid Contents

Little is known about the animals that occupy naturally acidic habitats. To better understand the physiological state of animals from temperate, naturally acidic systems, we compared metabolite stores and meristics of two yellow perch (Perca flavescens) populations in northern Wisconsin. One population originated from a naturally acidic, dystrophic lake (Acid-Lake-Perch, ALP) and had previously been shown to have enhanced tolerance to low pH. The second population came from two nearby interconnected circumneutral, mesotrophic lakes (Neutral-Lake-Perch, NLP). Perch were collected throughout the year to account for seasonal effects and to discern whether patterns of metabolite utilization differed between populations. ALP had smaller livers containing less glycogen and greater muscle glycogen content than NLP. The ALP also had significantly greater liver and visceral lipid contents, and females from this population committed a greater fraction of their body mass to egg production. We interpret these results as indicative of physiological divergence at the population level in yellow perch. These results are discussed as possible products of H+ -driven changes in metabolism and as possible products of different life history strategies between populations. Our results also show that perch living in acidic, dystrophic Wharton Lake are not acid stressed.

Walleye (Stizostedion vitreum vitreum) and Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens) Populations and Fisheries of the Red Lakes, Minnesota, 1930–75

1977 ◽  
Vol 34 (10) ◽  
pp. 1774-1783 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lloyd L. Smith Jr.
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Yellow Perch ◽  
Climatic Factors ◽  
Perca Flavescens ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Commercial Fishery ◽  
Class Strength ◽  
Parent Stock ◽  
Catch Statistics

In an investigation of the commercial fishery of Red Lakes, Minnesota, for the 46-yr period 1930–75, catch statistics were analyzed, and the dynamics of the perch and walleye populations were examined. Mean annual yields of walleye for two statistical periods, 1930–53 and 1954–75, were 309,900 and 245,100 kg, respectively for walleyes, and 96,400 and 109,500 kg for perch. Annual abundance (CPE based on average catches per day per 5-net units of gill nets) varied from 3.8 to 64.6 kg for walleye, and from 2.5 to 34.4 kg for perch. Causes of fluctuations in harvestable stock were directly related to strength of year-classes and to growth rate during the season of capture. Year-class strength was not related to the abundance of parent stock or of potential predators. The respective strengths of year-classes of perch and walleye in the same year were positively correlated (r = 0.859, P < 0.01), and are directly related to climatic factors. Growth rate of walleye in different calendar years varied from +30.7 to −42.2% of mean growth, and that of perch from +13.4 to −8.6% (1941–56). Growing season began in mid-June and was almost over by September 1. Walleye yield could be enhanced by starting harvest July 1 instead of early June. Perch yield could be improved by harvesting small perch. Key words: Percidae, Perca, population dynamics, Stizostedion, long-term yield

Zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) effects on sediment, other zoobenthos, and the diet and growth of adult yellow perch (Perca flavescens) in pond enclosures

1997 ◽  
Vol 54 (8) ◽  
pp. 1903-1915 ◽  
Author(s):  
S A Thayer ◽  
R C Haas ◽  
R D Hunter ◽  
R H Kushler
Keyword(s):  
Zebra Mussel ◽  
Dreissena Polymorpha ◽  
Yellow Perch ◽  
Perca Flavescens ◽  
Structural Heterogeneity ◽  
Zebra Mussels ◽  
Zooplankton Density ◽  
Growth Differences ◽  
Percent Nitrogen ◽  
Induced Changes

Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) in enclosures located in an experimental pond adjacent to Lake St. Clair, Michigan, increased sedimentation rate but had relatively minor effects on percent organic matter and percent nitrogen content of sediment. In contrast, sediment from Lake St. Clair adjacent to zebra mussels was significantly higher in carbon than that 0.5 m away. Zebra mussels increase the nutritional value of surficial sediment and provide greater structural heterogeneity, which is probably more important in causing change among zoobenthos. Zoobenthos and yellow perch (Perca flavescens) diet were dominated by dipteran larvae and leeches. Zoobenthos was significantly different between enclosures with and without zebra mussels. Treatments with zebra mussels had significantly more oligochaetes and tended to have more crustaceans (isopods and amphipods). In June, yellow perch without zebra mussels consumed significantly more zooplankton, and those with mussels had more crustaceans in their diet. Zooplankton density was greater in treatments without zebra mussels. Yellow perch with zebra mussels grew significantly more than those without mussels. Zebra mussels in the enclosures neither reproduced nor were eaten by yellow perch; hence. the observed growth differences were due to indirect effects involving zebra mussel induced changes in benthic structure and biota.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document