The effect of predation on stunted and nonstunted white perch

Ecology of Freshwater Fish
By: , and 

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Abstract

Predation is widely regarded as a means to prevent or minimise the establishment of a stunted (high density of slow growing individuals) population. We investigated the effect of predation on two different white perch Morone americana populations (stunted and nonstunted) by examining the stomach contents of piscivorous fishes. White perch and gizzard shad dominated piscivore diets in Branched Oak Lake, whereas white perch dominated piscivore diets in Pawnee Lake. White perch consumed in the stunted population (Branched Oak Lake) were larger and older than white perch consumed in the nonstunted population (Pawnee Lake). Many of the consumed white perch in the stunted population were sexually mature and had the opportunity to spawn at least once. In contrast, all of the consumed white perch in the nonstunted population were sexually immature. Predation may have reinforced the stunting of white perch in Branched Oak Lake through removal of the largest, oldest individuals. ?? 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title The effect of predation on stunted and nonstunted white perch
Series title Ecology of Freshwater Fish
DOI 10.1111/j.1600-0633.2010.00423.x
Volume 19
Issue 3
Year Published 2010
Language English
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Ecology of Freshwater Fish
First page 401
Last page 407
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