Predator-prey interactions of fishes in two Nebraska Sandhill lakes (Micropterus salmoides, Esox lucius, Lepomis macrochirus, Perca flavescens)

Although largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides and northern pike Esox lucius food habit studies have been undertaken extensively throughout the United States and Europe, none have been completed for fish communities in the Nebraska Sandhill lakes. Additionally, little information exists on the seasonal food habits of bluegill Lepomis macrochirus and yellow perch Perca flavescens in these shallow natural lakes. Most of the previous research on the Nebraska Sandhill lakes has focused on factors influencing quality panfish populations. Previous research indicated that largemouth bass relative abundance was positively correlated with bluegill and yellow perch proportional stock density (PSD). However, direct assessment of predator effects on panfish populations is still needed. The objective of my study was to determine seasonal food habits of bluegill, yellow perch, largemouth bass, and northern pike in Pelican and West Long lakes, Nebraska, in 2001. Results provide evidence of predator-prey interactions in Nebraska Sandhill lakes, which has only been inferred in previous research. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...