What key biological characteristic contributes to the yellow perch being considered highly successful invaders globally?
Opportunistic feeding habits and relatively low stress thresholds
The global spread and success of the yellow perch when introduced outside its native North American range stems from inherent biological traits that allow it to thrive in varied conditions where more sensitive species struggle. Two primary factors contribute significantly to this invasive success. First, their feeding habits are opportunistic, meaning they can consume a wide variety of available food sources, making them adaptable to new ecosystems lacking their preferred native forage. Second, they possess relatively low stress thresholds compared to highly specialized species, such as native trout, allowing them to withstand environmental fluctuations and handling stress better during transport and introduction. This hardiness ensures they can establish populations even if the water is not perfectly aligned with their ideal native conditions, provided it remains relatively cool and clear.
