Daily Ration of Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens) from Lake Memphremagog, Quebec–Vermont, with a Comparison of Methods for In Situ Determinations

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Abstract
In situ estimates of daily ration for yellow perch (Perca flavescens) [in Lake Memphremagog, Canada, USA] range from a high of 5.5-6.7% body wt in July to a low of 2.2-2.4% body wt in Oct. The seasonal pattern corresponded well to known patterns of growth. Comparison of 3 methods for in situ determination of daily ration levels indicated the method outlined here and the more complex method of Thorpe yield similar results. The method of Keast and Welsh and derivatives of this method which correct for digestion between sampling periods gave unreliable values that are 50% below the other 2 and, in general, were below maintenance ration levels. Diet composition and feeding activity varied seasonally and with body size.