Species Interactions:

-Trout-perch are considered an important forage fish for many predators, such as northern pike, walleye, yellow perch, burbot, lake trout, and brook trout. However, some studies suggest trout-perch may not be a favored prey item.5 Perhaps their escape tactics, body structure, or distribution in aquatic habitats makes them less vulnerable to predation. Their bottom-oriented (demersal) larvae may be less prone to predation by large, open-water predators.6

-These fish move to deeper water for protection from predators during the day, and then to the shallows in the evening to feed.

-Large individuals may eat other minnows and darters.

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Species Interactions:

-Trout-perch are considered an important forage fish for many predators, such as northern pike, walleye, yellow perch, burbot, lake trout, and brook trout. However, some studies suggest trout-perch may not be a favored prey item.5 Perhaps their escape tactics, body structure, or distribution in aquatic habitats makes them less vulnerable to predation. Their bottom-oriented (demersal) larvae may be less prone to predation by large, open-water predators.6

-These fish move to deeper water for protection from predators during the day, and then to the shallows in the evening to feed.

-Large individuals may eat other minnows and darters.

Return to Wild Facts