Experimental study of young fish distribution and behaviour under combined influence of baro-, photo- and thermo-gradients

The complex influence of baro-, photo- and thermo-gradients on distribution and behaviour of young physostomous Leuciscus leuciscus L., leaciscus idus L. and physoclistous fish Perca fluviatilis L. was investigated. 40 different combinations consisting of 4 types of photogradients, 3 types of termo gradients and 4 types of baro-gradients were tested. All considered factors influenced the distribution of physostomous and physoclistous fish with high degree of significance. Under a multi-factorial experiment fish behaviour and distribution are determined not only by a separately taken environmental factor but by the presence of other accompanying factors. Under different combinations of imposed factors, the reaction of fish to an individual factor and the character of the response (positive or negative) may change. Hydrostatic pressure is one of the strongest factors which influence fish distribution. The presence of its gradient may change the character of response of perch Perca fluviatilis to light (a changing of a sign of its photoreaction). Water temperature influences fish distribution more than illumination. However, the definite value of water temperature at which most fish prefer to stay may be changed depending on both the intensity of illumination and the value of hydrostatic pressure.