Trophic ecology of largemouth bass and northern pike in allopatric and sympatric assemblages in northern boreal lakes

Abstract

Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and northern pike (Esox lucius) are top predators in the food chain in most aquatic environments that they occupy; however, limited information exists on species interactions in the northern reaches of largemouth bass distribution. We investigated the seasonal food habits of allopatric and sympatric assemblages of largemouth bass and northern pike in six interior lakes within Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota. Percentages of empty stomachs were variable for largemouth bass (38-54%) and northern pike (34.7-66.7%). Fishes (mainly yellow perch, Perca flavescens) comprised greater than 60% (mean percent mass, MPM) of the northern pike diet during all seasons in both allopatric and sympatric assemblages. Aquatic insects (primarily Odonata and Hemiptera) were important in the diets of largemouth bass in all communities (0.0-79.7 MPM). Although largemouth bass were observed in the diet of northern pike, largemouth bass apparently did not prey on northern pike. Seasonal differences were observed in the proportion of aquatic insects (P = 0.010) and fishes (P = 0.023) in the diets of northern pike and largemouth bass. Based on three food categories, jackknifed classifications correctly classified 77 and 92% of northern pike and largemouth bass values, respectively. Percent resource overlap values were biologically significant (greater than 60%) during at least one season in each sympatric assemblage, suggesting some diet overlap.

Diets of Micropterus Salmoides Lac. And Esox Lucius L. In Lake Trasimeno (Umbria, Italy) and Their Diet Overlap.

“…A change in trophic niche between these conditions is an indication of competition (HEARN, 1987). In six lakes of Minnesota the diets of pike and largemouth bass in sympatric assemblages are indicating the potential for competition, especially during periods of low prey availability (SOUPIR et al, 2000); in this study, however, the food consumed by pike did not differ between sympatric and allopatric assemblages, contrarily of what happens for largemouth bass. It would indicate that M. salmoides are at a significant disadvantage when coexisting with E. lucius.…”

“…In contrast to M. salmoides, the predator behaviour of E. lucius takes advantage of aquatic vegetation (GRIMM, 1991); in Lake Trasimeno the high percentage of P. antennarius in the pike diet during the winter can be attributed to the reduced availability of forage fish. In a study on the trophic ecology of E. lucius and M. salmoides in six lakes located in Minnesota (U.S.A.) SOUPIR et al (2000) have found that pike was more selective in summer, when the highest proportion of its diet was composed of fish; the uppermost proportions of other food items, mainly insects, were ingested when prey fish densities were lowest. This pattern was similar in both allopatric and sympatric assemblages and was likely due to a fish diet preference in pike.…”

Pike Esox Lucius Distribution and Feeding Comparisons in Natural and Historically Channelized River Sections

“…Nevertheless, just as in this study, others [32]; [33] have shown that pike are flexible with respect to their choice of food -large invertebrate rations and a large diversity of fish species has been noted in pike population. In other studies, however, it has been found that there is a relatively small spectrum of food, and a substantial significance of invertivores in the food [34], [35]. During the study, a relatively large amount of empty stomachs, average 35 %, was noted both in channelized and natural rivers.…”

“…During the study, a relatively large amount of empty stomachs, average 35 %, was noted both in channelized and natural rivers. The proportion of empty stomachs in recent studies vary between 28 % and 78 % on average, annually (28 % [36]; 50 % [34]; 50 % [32]; 33 % [35]; 54 % [33]; 78 % [37]; 58 % [18]). …”

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“…According to Polat, Yılmaz, and Yazıcıoğlu (2012), pike represents the most important target species for commercial fisheries in Lake Ladik, because pike is one of the main livelihoods of local fishermen. Since the pike is considered as a top predator in the food web in most freshwater ecosystems that it occupies (Soupir, Brown, & Kallemeyn, 2000), it plays an important role as regulator in abundance of prey fishes in most of the aquatic environments (Alp et al 2008). In addition, pike is used for (improving water quality) biomanipulation (Craig, 2008).…”