Perch (Perca fluviatilis) as an indicator species for structural degradation in regulated rivers and canals in the lowlands of Germany |
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| Authors: | C Wolter A Vilcinskas |
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| Institution: | Department of Biology and Ecology of Fish, Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Berlin;Institute of Zoology, Free University of Berlin, Germany |
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| Abstract: | Abstract— Simple morphological characteristics and fish assemblage data were collected in representative numbers from 12 inland waterways in the northeastern lowlands of Germany between 1992 and 1995. Fish abundance data were pooled and classified into three main groups: perch Perca fluviatilis (L.), roach Rutilus rutilus (L.) and other species. Spearman rank correlations between fish abundance and type of embankment revealed that perch showed a statistically significant numerical dominance in waterways consisting predominately of an artificial shoreline, suggesting that perch may be used as an indicator of the structural degradation of watercourses. |
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| Keywords: | perch structural degradation indicator species |
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