Ecology and population status of trout-perch (Percopsis omiscomaycus) in western Lake Erie
Trout-perch Percopsis omiscomaycus is among the most abundant benthic species in Lake Erie, but comparatively little is known about its ecology. Although others have conducted extensive studies on trout-perch ecology, those efforts predated invasions of white perch Morone americana, Dreissena spp., Bythotrephes longimanus and round goby Neogobius melanostomus, suggesting the need to revisit past work. Trout-perch were sampled with bottom trawls at 56 sites during June and September 2010. We examined diets, fecundity, average annual mortality, sex ratio, and long-term population trends at sites sampled since 1961. Trout-perch abundance fluctuated periodically, with distinct shorter- (4-year) and longer-term (over period of 50 years) fluctuations. Males had higher average annual mortality than females. Both sexes were equally abundant at age 0, but females outnumbered males 4:1 by age 2. Diets of trout-perch were dominated by macroinvertebrates, particularly chironomids and Hexagenia sp. Size distributions of trout-perch eggs varied widely and exhibited multiple modes indicative of protracted batch spawning. A review of the few other studies of trout-perch revealed periodic fluctuations in sex ratio of adults, which in light of our evidence of periodicity in abundance suggests the potential for sex-ratio-mediated intrinsic population regulation. Despite the introduction of numerous invasive species in Lake Erie, trout-perch remain one of the most abundant benthic invertivores and the population is relatively stable.
Citation Information
Publication Year | 2014 |
---|---|
Title | Ecology and population status of trout-perch (Percopsis omiscomaycus) in western Lake Erie |
DOI | 10.1016/j.jglr.2013.09.004 |
Authors | Patrick Kočovský, Andrea T. Stoneman, Richard T. Kraus |
Publication Type | Article |
Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
Series Title | Journal of Great Lakes Research |
Index ID | 70160598 |
Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
USGS Organization | Great Lakes Science Center |
Related Content
Patrick M Kocovsky
Aquatic Invasive Species Program Manager
Richard T Kraus, PhD
Supervisory Research Fisheries Biologist
Related Content
- Connect
Patrick M Kocovsky
Aquatic Invasive Species Program ManagerEmailPhoneRichard T Kraus, PhD
Supervisory Research Fisheries BiologistEmailPhoneExt213