Feeding Relationships of trout salmo trutta L., Perch Perca fluviatilis L., and Roach Rutilus rutilus (L.) in Lough Sheelin, Ireland

Abstract

Samples of trout, perch and roach were collected by gill netting from eight sampling stations over the period February 1982 - March 1984 to assess competition for food between the three species. At each of the sampling stations quantitative collections of benthic invertebrates were taken in order to examine the relationship between feeding and food availibility. Results indicate a significant correlation in diet between trout and perch, little correlation in diet between trout and roach and moderate correlation between perch and roach. The most important competitive interaction between all three fish species is likely to be at their juvenile stage for a cladoceran diet.