Activity Patterns in Pike (Esox Lucius), as Determined by Motion-Sensing Telemetry

Authors: Beaumont, W.R.C., Hodder, K.H., Masters, J.E.G., Scott, L.J. and Welton, J.S.

Editors: Spedicato, M.T., Lembo, G. and Marmulla, G.

Pages: 231-243

Publisher: COISPA/FAO Fisheries Department

Place of Publication: Rome

ISBN: 978-9251053010

Abstract:

Activity patterns of pike fitted with motion-sensing radio tags were recorded using novel automated monitoring equipment. Activity was categorised into short duration (<5 s) and long duration (≥5 s) events. Pike displayed short duration activity events throughout the day and night. Long duration activity events were very sporadic and were often followed by long periods (>24 h) of quiescence. Experimental and observational records (based on over 8500 tracking observations) indicated that these long duration events followed by quiescent periods could be associated with the fish feeding. In total, active pulse patterns (both long and short duration) were only recorded for ~5% of the time that the fish were monitored. Analysis of the temporal patterns in the long duration activity events showed distinct diel patterns, and some seasonal variation associated with sunrise and sunset times.

Results from the automated system are compared with results obtained from manual tracking. Data show that activity monitoring could be a useful method for determining the feeding periodicity of these fish and would enable a greater understanding of predator – prey interaction.

ftp://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/008/y5999e/y5999e23.pdf

Source: Manual

Preferred by: Kathy Hodder