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Research article2007Peer reviewed

Effect of group size on feed intake, growth and feed efficiency of juvenile perch

Strand A, Alanara A, Magnhagen C

Abstract

Feed intake, growth and feed efficiency of juvenile perch Perca fluviatilis were significantly affected by group size, with fish in groups of 12 having lower feed intake, higher growth and higher feed efficiency than solitary individuals. The same trend was seen for fish in groups of 12 compared to fish in groups of four, and for fish in groups of four compared to solitary individuals, although the differences were not always significant. The high growth and low feed efficiency for fish in groups may be caused by benefits obtained from shoaling such as reduced levels of stress. (c) 2007 The Authors Journal compilation (c) 2007 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles

Keywords

energetic growth efficiency; feed intake; group size; growth; Perca fluviatilis

Published in

Journal of Fish Biology
2007, Volume: 71, number: 2, pages: 615-619
Publisher: BLACKWELL PUBLISHING