ISSN:
1365-2427
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Perch, Percafluviatilis L. were studied in Slapton Ley which is a eutrophic freshwater lagoon in south Devon, England. The perch were caught in traps from February 1970 to June 1971. The traps selected males during the spawning season. The water temperature did not affect the numbers of trapped fish directly, but the sight of perch in the traps appeared to attract others. Sex ratios were found to be equal in the first 2 years of life but older year classes were predominantly female. The population consisted of young individuals. Males were found to mature in their first year and most females matured in their second. The fecundity varied from an average of 1000 eggs in perch n i the 9.75 cm length group to 30,500 eggs in fish in the 27.75 cm group. A few shoals of perch moved throughout the Ley although the majority of fish stayed in the same area. Population estimates showed a range from 10,000 to 95,000 for fish 9.75 cm and above. The large variations in population estimates and survival rates were attributed to the necessity of using traps which had variable catches and to the harmful effects of handling the perch. Chironomids were important in the diet of perch of all sizes. Plankton and Asellus were other important foods, the latter especially during the winter months. Perch 11.5 cm to 13.9 cm selected the widest range of food organisms. Only perch 14.0 cm and above ate fish.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2427.1974.tb00106.x
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