Diel vertical migrations of age 0+ percids in a shallow, well-mixed reservoir

Abstract

The distribution of age 0+ percids (perch, Perca fluviatilis and pikeperch, Sander lucioperca) was investigated in a shallow, wellmixed reservoir during a 24-h period in late May, using acoustic and netting methods. Diel vertical migrations (DVMs) were acoustically recorded between the layers close to the bottom and the whole water column. The netting data showed a high abundance of larvae and juveniles at night (nearly 1 ind m-3, or 6 ind m-2), whereas negligible numbers of age 0+ percids were present in the water column during the day (3% of night abundance). Age 0+ percids remained during the day in the layer very close to bottom. Smaller pikeperch larvae dominated the pelagic age 0+ fish assemblage during daylight, while larger perch prevailed at night. A strong difference between day and night abundances along with a clear pattern discerned by acoustic methods revealed the DVM of age 0+ percids. Analyses of the fish digestive tract contents indicate that DVM was not governed by feeding behaviour, but rather a defensive strategy against predation. This is in agreement with the size distribution of age 0+ percids, since they were smaller in water column during the day as opposed to the night.