Chemicals released by predation increase the growth rate of yellow perch, Perca flavescens

J Fish Biol. 2017 Dec;91(6):1730-1736. doi: 10.1111/jfb.13475. Epub 2017 Oct 17.

Abstract

Water-soluble factors associated with walleye Sander vitreus predation on either yellow perch Perca flavescens or fathead minnows Pimephales promelas markedly increased the growth rate of P. flavescens. The findings suggest that P. flavescens possess an inducible growth-promoting mechanism regulated by water-born chemicals. It may be possible to increase the growth rate of farm-raised P. flavescens by manipulating this system.

Keywords: alarm cue; growth; pheromone; predation; walleye; yellow perch.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Body Size / drug effects
  • Perches / anatomy & histology
  • Perches / growth & development
  • Perches / physiology*
  • Pheromones / pharmacology
  • Predatory Behavior
  • Stress, Physiological*
  • Water

Substances

  • Pheromones
  • Water