Predation of Japanese minnow Pseudorasbora parva by bluegill Lepomis macrochirus in experimental aquaria

Abstract

Number and maximum standard length (SL) of Japanese minnow consumed by bluegill were investigated in aquaria. Fifteen live Japanese minnow (2.5-7.9 cm initial SL) were released into each aquarium with one bluegill (5.7-14.3 cm SL) to investigate the consumption of Japanese minnow by bluegill during ten days. All bluegill except that of 5.7 cm SL consumed Japanese minnow. The maximum length and the total weight of Japanese minnow preyed upon by bluegill were correlated with SL of bluegill; bluegill consumed 5.8 g (5.6% of initial bluegill weight) of Japanese minnow per day at the maximum.