An investigation on feeding habits of northern pike of Anzali Lagoon

Document Type : Research Paper

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Abstract

Northern pike (Esox lucius L.) as a major game fish can be valuable in the management of water resources. In the present study, a total of 152 pikes from four areas: Abkenar (24%), Sorkhankool (10%), Siakeshim (54%) and Sheyjan (12%) were sampled. Female fishes were 75.6% of the samples and males were only 24.4%. Northern pike showed relatively fast growth and fishes above two years of age were mature and reached an average length of 32 cm. Feeding intensity and growth co-efficient in this species were correlated. Growth was highest in the lower age groups and with an increase in age and size, the feeding intensity and growth co-efficient of this have decreased. Northern pike in different ages feeds on different species of fish found in Anzali Lagoon. The most important of these fish species are Carassius auratus, Hemiculter leucisculus, Rhodeus sericeus amarus and larvae of Chalcalburnus chalcoides. In the 0+ age group pike mainly feeds on zooplanktonic Mysids. The results of the pr.....