Assessing the trophic ecology of troutperch in Lake Champlain
Conference Year
2023
Abstract
The role of trout-perch in lake ecosystems is currently unknown. We conducted a diet analysis on trout-perch to better understand variability in their trophic ecology across Lake Champlain. Trout-perch diet composition revealed significant consumption of benthic invertebrates and showed considerable diet variability both within and between basins, and before and after fall turnover. The variability displayed in their diet may imply differences of benthic contribution to food webs across space. Trout-perch are likely a key component in the benthic pathway of Lake Champlain's food web.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
Ellen Marsden
Graduate Student Mentors
Justin Lesser
Status
Undergraduate
Student College
Rubenstein School of Environmental and Natural Resources
Program/Major
Wildlife and Fisheries Biology
Primary Research Category
Life Sciences
Assessing the trophic ecology of troutperch in Lake Champlain
The role of trout-perch in lake ecosystems is currently unknown. We conducted a diet analysis on trout-perch to better understand variability in their trophic ecology across Lake Champlain. Trout-perch diet composition revealed significant consumption of benthic invertebrates and showed considerable diet variability both within and between basins, and before and after fall turnover. The variability displayed in their diet may imply differences of benthic contribution to food webs across space. Trout-perch are likely a key component in the benthic pathway of Lake Champlain's food web.