A study of the life history of the pirate perch Aphredoderus sayanus (Billiams) / by Susan Becht Green.
| Author/creator | Greene, Susan Becht author. |
| Other author | Boyette, Joseph G., degree supervisor. |
| Other author | East Carolina University. Department of Biology. |
| Format | Theses and dissertations |
| Production | 1970. |
| Description | 27 unnumbered leaves : illustrations ; 29 cm |
| Supplemental Content | Access via ScholarShip |
| Subjects |
| Summary | The purpose of this study was to determine several factors in the life history of pirate perch, Aphredoderus sayanus, primarily the habitat and local distribution, food habits, and interspecific and intraspecific interactions such as territoriality and predation. The threefold approach consisted of field collections, laboratory analyses, and observations under semi-natural conditions. Records of physical and chemical characteristics of each site and of species collected were completed for each site sampled on 130 collection trips in Pitt County, North Carolina. Although pirate perch were collected in almost all habitats sampled, the largest populations were found in swamps and swamp-drainage streams. Young juveniles were found in shallow, heavily vegetated water with abundant bottom fauna. Older juveniles and adults were usually collected under banks in shallow water with little current. Data compiled from gut analyses indicated that young juveniles fed mostly on small Crustacea and were active throughout the day. Older juveniles fed mostly on larger Crustacea, insect larvae, and small fish and tended to concentrate feeding activity in early morning and late afternoon. Adults fed mostly in early morning on small fish and Insect larvae. Field data indicated a spawning period of March to June. Aquaria were arranged to simulate natural conditions by the addition of sand, mud, native vegetation, and debris. Pirate perch, along with other species usually caught with them, were placed in the aquaria for behavioral observation. Except for predation, very little reaction toward other species was demonstrated by pirate perch in aquaria. However, the fact that the fish failed to regain their natural iridescence in aquaria indicated that natural conditions were not closely enough approximated. This failure could have affected all behaviors observed in aquaria. |
| General note | Submitted to the faculty of the Department of Biology. |
| General note | Advisor: Joseph G. Boyette |
| Dissertation note | M.A. East Carolina University 1970 |
| Bibliography note | Includes bibliographical references (leaf 27). |
| Genre/form | dissertations. |
| Genre/form | Academic theses. |
| Genre/form | Academic theses. |
| Genre/form | Thèses et écrits académiques. |
Availability
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joyner | University Archives | ASK AT SPECIAL COLLECTIONS DESK | ✔ Available | Request Material |
| Electronic Resources | Access Content Online | ✔ Available |