Initial observations of movement patterns in the apex fish predator, the Nile perch (Lates niloticus), in Lake Nasser, Egypt
Funding Sponsor
American University in Cairo
Author's Department
Biology Department
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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejar.2014.03.003
Document Type
Research Article
Publication Title
Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Research
Publication Date
1-1-2014
doi
10.1016/j.ejar.2014.03.003
Abstract
Nile perch, Lates niloticus, are top predators in the Nile River's, Lake Nasser, where they support important commercial and recreational fisheries; yet, anecdotal evidence indicates overfishing may be causing declines in population size structure. Little is known about Nile perch population biology, movements, and habitat selection. In 2010, we began a pilot study in Lake Nasser to investigate the Nile perch. One 33-kg Nile perch was successfully implanted with an ultrasonic telemetry transmitter and tracked on two occasions for 12 h each time. Following a "resting"phase, at sunset, the Nile perch crossed several km of pelagic zone to reach the far shoreline of the lake where it spent the night foraging among the aquatic vegetation. Sensor data revealed that the fish's movements covered relatively narrow thermal and depth ranges. Interestingly, the fish's transmitter signal was reacquired 2 months later in the exact GPS location where it was initially caught suggesting seasonally strong site fidelity. Further tracking studies are needed to better understand Nile perch life history and ecology in Lake Nasser in order to protect and conserve this valuable economic resource. © 2014 Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries.
First Page
65
Last Page
69
Recommended Citation
APA Citation
Grubich, J. R.
&
Odenkirk, J.
(2014). Initial observations of movement patterns in the apex fish predator, the Nile perch (Lates niloticus), in Lake Nasser, Egypt. Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Research, 40(1), 65–69.
10.1016/j.ejar.2014.03.003
https://fount.aucegypt.edu/faculty_journal_articles/1894
MLA Citation
Grubich, Justin, et al.
"Initial observations of movement patterns in the apex fish predator, the Nile perch (Lates niloticus), in Lake Nasser, Egypt." Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Research, vol. 40,no. 1, 2014, pp. 65–69.
https://fount.aucegypt.edu/faculty_journal_articles/1894