Yellow Perch are one of few fish species that produce a gelatinous skein around their eggs. There are many hypothesized benefits of the skein including increasing aeration, increasing fertilization success, and protecting the eggs from infection and predation. To determine how predators respond to Yellow Perch egg skeins, I worked with an undergraduate intern to assess predator preference for different egg types, including Yellow Perch eggs. Additionally, we performed a preliminary molecular analysis to see what potential molecules within the skein may provide protection. Yellow Perch have a high rate of egg survival, and the molecular composition of the skein may be an important cause of this by providing one or more protective benefits.

Key Results:

We found that, when provided with a choice, predators did not prefer Yellow Perch eggs with their protective skein. When Yellow Perch eggs in the skein was the only available food option, predators spent less time trying to consume Yellow Perch eggs if they had previous experience attempting to eat Yellow Perch eggs. Our molecular results showed that the skein may contain a variety of potentially noxious components, which may contribute to predator deterrence. Overall, Yellow Perch skeins appear to provide some protection to eggs from predation.