Changes in yellow perch (Perca flavescens) growth associated with the establishment of a walleye (Stizostedion vitreum) population in Canadarago Lake, New York (USA)
Mh. Olson et al., Changes in yellow perch (Perca flavescens) growth associated with the establishment of a walleye (Stizostedion vitreum) population in Canadarago Lake, New York (USA), ECOL FRESHW, 10(1), 2001, pp. 11-20
Piscivorous fish can affect prey growth in two ways: directly by reducing p
rey density and indirectly by inducing predator-avoidance behaviors. We inv
estigated these two pathways in yellow perch (Perca flavescens) growth resp
onses to walleye (Stizostedion vitreum) stocking in Canadarago Lake, New Yo
rk (USA) using a 25-year time series. Before walleye stocking, yellow perch
growth rate was low and independent of body size. As walleye abundance inc
reased, yellow perch growth increased and became size-dependent. The switch
to size-dependent growth occurred in 1 year, indicating a rapid behavioral
response to predators. Mean growth rate increased more gradually and was l
inearly related to walleye density, indicating a slower numerical effect of
walleye on yellow perch densities. Although the net effect was an increase
in perch growth, small perch growth initially decreased as walleye became
established. Therefore, the combination of numerical and behavioral effects
produced a complex pattern of size-dependent changes in growth of yellow p
erch.