Population Characteristics of Yellow Perch in Dead Lake, Florida

Abstract

In Florida, the Yellow Perch Perca flavescens is known to exist only in the Apalachicola River watershed. We conducted a 2-y study (2015–2016) to assess population characteristics of Yellow Perch in Dead Lake, Florida. We also measured summertime (June–September 2016) water temperatures to identify temperature differences between two sections (West Arm Creek and the main pool) of Dead Lake. Using electrofishing, we collected 564 Yellow Perch ranging from 72 to 343 mm total length from West Arm Creek. An age sample showed Yellow Perch ranged in age from 0 to 6 y and strong year classes were produced in 2013 and 2015. High mean total length at age suggests Yellow Perch in Dead Lake are a fast-growing population, likely a result of limited abundance and a long growing season. This study showed low mean relative weight (Wr, 2015: 70; 2016: 67), which is similar to other southeastern populations. Stomach contents and diet analysis showed no differences between age groups, which suggests that Yellow Perch are opportunistic feeders. Dead Lake showed high water temperatures (≥28°C) during the summer months, but the spring-fed Stone Mill Creek may provide thermal refugia that allow fish to avoid stressful temperatures in the main pool of Dead Lake in summer. Limited awareness among anglers, coupled with low abundance and the fish's limited range in the state, likely contributes to the lack of exploitation of Yellow Perch in Florida.

Assessing the effects of sub‐tropical winter thermal conditions on coolwater fish reproduction

“…Across the Great Lakes region, Yellow Perch typically spawn when water temperature is between 6 and 13°C (Hart et al, 2006; Hokanson, 1977; Krieger et al, 1983; Starzynski & Lauer, 2015). However, overwinter temperatures at the southern extent of the Yellow Perch range in North America seldom fall below this 10°C threshold during winter (Bisping et al, 2019), indicating there may be local adaptations that allow for reproductive development to occur during warmer winter temperatures at these lower latitudes.…”