The influence of water temperature on mortality, growth and cannibalism in the juvenile pike (Esox lucins L.)

Abstract

One week rearing of pike (Esox lucius L.) larvae in six different ranges of water temperature (from 12 to 27^oC) was made. Total mortality of fish reared at 12, 15, 18 and 21^oC amounted to about 20%, while at 24 and 27^oC it was higher (46.9%, 31.5%). At 27^oC mortality was the greatest during temperature rising period (acclimation). Losses during the rearing at higher (21, 24 and 27^oC) temperatures were mainly caused by cannibalism. The length, the weight and total biomass of fishes improved significantly at higher water temperatures.