Which food category is identified as critical for yellow perch growth into trophy sizes?
Answer
Fish (e.g., Minnows, Suckers, Smaller Perch)
The transition to consuming fish, known as piscivory, is directly linked to the rapid accumulation of mass necessary for yellow perch to attain trophy sizes. While invertebrates like insect larvae and crustaceans provide necessary protein, the highest caloric return comes from eating smaller fish species such as minnows, suckers, sculpins, or even other, smaller yellow perch. This heavy reliance on mobile, high-energy prey defines the dietary profile of the successful, larger adult perch, contrasting sharply with the plankton-based diet of their youth.
Related Questions
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