The growth of whitefish in relation to water quality and fish species composition

Water quality in 16 Finnish lakes did not affect directly densely gill-rakered whitefish growth, except possibly in an acid (pH 4.9) lake, Iso Lehmalampi, where acidity may have retarded the growth of whitefish. The density of roach affected whitefish growth in the second year of life: highest growth rates were in lakes without a roach population and lowest growth rates in lakes having strong roach populations. Competition by vendace also retarded the growth of young whitefish. The efficient mass removal of roach from at eutrophic lake was considered to have increased the growth rate of young whitefish. It is suggested that an examination of the fish species composition and relative abundance, as well as the growth of whitefish, can be used as an aid in predicting the success of stocking with whitefish. (C) 1999 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.