Effects of zooplankton size and color on fish predation.

Abstract

This experimental study was designed to determine whether size, coloration, or a combination of both these factors is more important in zooplankton prey selection by fish. Pumpkinseed sunfish (Lepomis gibbosus), were chosen because of the presence of zooplankton in their diets. The zooplankton species chosen were the large Chaoborus flavicans and the smaller Chaoborus punctipennis because of their similar physiognomies, except for size. The differences in color were created with a Rhodamine B stain that colored, but did not kill, the zooplankton.