Indirect Evaluation of Aquatic Animal Diversity in Ilsan Lake through the Analysis of the Growing Condition and Stomach Contents of Largemouth Bass, Micropterus salmoides

In this study, through the analysis of the growth condition and prey of the largemouth bass, we tried to understand the characteristics of the aquatic animal community depending on the composition and shape of a artificial lake. The evaluation was conducted for Ilsan lake which is one of the largest urban artificial lakes in Korea. Weight gain rate of the Zone III (eco-zone) was more rapid based on the relationship of length and weight of largemouth bass. Total 16 and 9 species of fish were found in each Zone III and Zone I, II (artificial zones), which represented significantly higher diversity of fish species in Zone III than Zone I, II. Index of relative importance(IRI) was more diverse at Zone III and when considering the hunger rate the food stress was more serious at Zone I, II. the proportion of the population of fish, Zacco platypus revealed to be the dominant species, and Squalidus gracilis majimae and Rhinogobius brunneus inhabited only Zone III naturally rich. On account of low prey species diversity of Zone I, II, the Phylum Arthropoda like Heteroptera showed relatively higher prey ratio in stomach of largemouth bass than that of Zone III. It was possible to figure out aquatic animal community characteristics indirectly through analyzing the stomach contents of largemouth bass.