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Density, Size, and Foods of Larval Northern Pike in Natural and Artificial Wetlands
Author(s) -
Morrow James V.,
Miller Gary L.,
Killgore K. Jack
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
north american journal of fisheries management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.587
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1548-8675
pISSN - 0275-5947
DOI - 10.1577/1548-8675(1997)017<0210:dsafol>2.3.co;2
Subject(s) - pike , esox , wetland , larva , habitat , ecology , fishery , biology , population , cannibalism , invertebrate , fish <actinopterygii> , demography , sociology
Larval northern pike Esox lucius were sampled in natural and artificial wetlands associated with Conesus Lake, New York, on 25 April, 8 May, and 26 May 1992. Larval northern pike population densities declined significantly between the first (25 April) and second (8 May) sampling periods, indicating mortality or emigration from the wetlands; only two northern pike were captured on 26 May. Larval northern pike population densities were higher in artificial wetlands on 25 April, but on 8 May no difference could be detected. Mean total length of larvae was greater in artificial wetlands on 25 April and 8 May. Larval northern pike began feeding at approximately 15 mm total length. No difference in number of food items eaten was detected between natural and artificial wetlands; however, percentage of copepods, the taxa most commonly eaten, was higher in northern pike stomachs from natural wetlands. Cannibalism was observed in 1 of the 76 stomachs examined and constituted the only vertebrate food item found. Artificial wetlands were comparable or superior to natural wetlands as northern pike spawning and rearing habitat.