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Plant stem density as a cue in patch choice by foraging juvenile bluegill sunfish

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Juvenile bluegill sunfish,Lepomis macrochira, are restricted to vegetated habitats by predators. Variation in plant stem density has a significant effect on bluegill foraging success. Given the mosaic nature of this habitat, plant stem density may provide a cue for selecting among patches in which to forage. In this study, juvenile bluegills were offered patches of artificial vegetation differing only in plant stem density as potential foraging sites. Three densities, 100, 250, and 500 stems m−2 were tested. Fish were presented with a choice between patches (100:250, 250:500, or 100:500). Bluegill foraging rate in, and the number of fish choosing each patch was recorded. Juvenile bluegills showed a preference for those patches which maximized their foraging rate.

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  1. Vytenis Gotceitas

    Present address: Department of Biology, Mount Allison University, Sackville, New Brunswick, EOA 3C0, Canada

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  1. Department of Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada

    Vytenis Gotceitas

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  1. Vytenis Gotceitas
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Gotceitas, V. Plant stem density as a cue in patch choice by foraging juvenile bluegill sunfish. Environ Biol Fish 29, 227–232 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00002222

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00002222

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