Abstract

In several recent studies predatory fish have been shown to interfere with crayfish survival, activity and food consumption. As it was expected that young-of-the-year (y-o-y) Pacifastacus leniusculus would be affected by the presence of the conceivable predator European perch (Perca fluviatilis) the hypothesis that perch may reduce survival and activity, thereby reducing food consumption and growth of the crayfish was tested. Hatchlings of P. leniusculus were introduced to three small ponds in the beginning of the growth season. In two ponds, perch were stocked at a density of 0.2 and 0.8 ind/m². The third pond was kept as a fish-free control. The results show that although there was no large difference in crayfish abundance between ponds with and without perch, the presence of perch strongly reduced the activity and growth of the y-o-y crayfish. The implication of the results for natural populations is discussed.

Supplemental Documents

• There are no supplementary documents for this article

Cited By

Citations: