Author:
Newsome G. E.,Tompkins Jean
Abstract
The entire seasonal reproductive effort of female yellow perch (Perca flavescens and Perca fluviatilis) is contained in a single, tubular, gelatinous egg mass. Predation on these egg masses is potentially a major mortality factor among perch, although reports of its occurrence are lacking. This suggests the egg masses may be protected by an antipredator mechanism that renders them inedible. In a series of feeding trials, no egg masses were consumed when offered to a number of species considered potential predators (eel, white sucker, brown bullhead, yellow perch, three- and nine-spined sticklebacks), although alternate food items were frequently consumed when provided. Examination of stomach contents of potential predators (eel, white sucker) collected from perch spawning sites at the peak of the reproductive period contained no egg masses. Egg masses were not lethal when ingested by a nonselective test fish, hatchery-reared brook trout, suggesting that an unpalatable rather than a toxic substance protects perch egg masses from predation.
Publisher
Canadian Science Publishing
Subject
Animal Science and Zoology,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
Cited by
20 articles.
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