Abstract
Pike-perch is an invader for the water basins of Central Kazakhstan. These species have stable self-reproductive populations in the regional waters. Back calculation method was used to investigate pike-perch growth rates in reservoirs of K. Satpayev’s channel. For comparison, the data from the other water bodies (Vyacheslavsky and Sherubay-Nurinsky water reservoirs) were used, as well as literature data. Pike-perch species from the investigated waters don’t show high growth rates. The populations from the reservoirs of K. Satpayev’s channel have quite similar growth rates with populations from the Amur river, from a number of reservoirs in the Volga river basin and from the reservoir in Spain. Sexual differences in growth have not been observed. Evaluating possible influence of various abiotic and biotic factors on the growth rate of pike-perch in the reservoirs of K. Satpayev’s channel was carried out. It has been stated that the availability of trophic resources cannot play a key role in growth dynamics because of their high abundance. Morphology of water bodies also does not play a role, as well as chromaticity, turbidity and other optical water indicators. It can be supposed that the main factor influencing growth of pike perch is the habitat’s temperature. This factor hardly ever approaches optimal values for the species in reservoirs of K. Satpaev’s channel. The possible influence of fishing selectivity on pike-perch growth rates was also evaluated. Currently, there has been imposed a moratorium on pike-perch catch. However, pike-perch is found in by-catches and in catches of amateur fishermen. It should be said that such seizures have an insignificant role in the dynamics of growth rates.