Modification of 0+ perch foraging behaviour by indirect cues of predation risk

Abstract –  Intake rate and prey size selection of 0+ perch, Perca fluviatilis , from Lake Wallersee (Austria) was studied at different illumination (day light: 400 lx, twilight: 2 lx) during 5 days of habituation to novel surroundings in aquaria. The hypothesis was tested that high illumination and novelty of surroundings (transfer from holding to test aquaria) as indirect cues of predation risk influences 0+ perch foraging behaviour. Significantly lower total intake and lower proportion of large Daphnia magna (two prey size groups, 2.9 and 1.2 mm, were used) were observed at higher illumination and under novel surroundings. Habituation to novelty caused an increase in consumption of large prey and decrease in consumption of small prey. During the whole period of habituation, more large prey was ingested at twilight than at daylight; no light-induced difference in ingestion of small prey was found. Foraging 0+ perch responded to indirect nonspecific cues of predation risk by reduction of intake of large prey, which are costly in terms of handling time. This allows fish to be more vigilant without ceasing their foraging activity even in potentially dangerous situations. In the lake, young perch are most vulnerable to abundant piscivorous fish and birds during the day; in twilight perch can afford a more time-consuming foraging activity.