Growth, Condition, and Seasonal Changes in the Population Structure of the Invasive Chinese Sleeper Perccottus glenii (Dybowski, 1877) in a River Subjected to Severe Anthropological Pressure

Przemysław Czerniejewski, Adam Brysiewicz (), Lucyna Kirczuk, Katarzyna Dziewulska, Janusz Ligięza and Jacek Rechulicz
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Przemysław Czerniejewski: Department of Commodity, Quality Assessment, Process Engineering and Human Nutrition, Westpomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Kazimierza Królewicza 4 Street, 71-550 Szczecin, Poland
Adam Brysiewicz: Institute of Technology and Life Sciences-National Research Institute, Falenty 3 Hrabska Avenue, 05-090 Falenty, Poland
Lucyna Kirczuk: Department of Hydrobiology, Institute of Biology, University of Szczecin, Felczaka 3c Street, 71-412 Szczecin, Poland
Katarzyna Dziewulska: Department of Hydrobiology, Institute of Biology, University of Szczecin, Felczaka 3c Street, 71-412 Szczecin, Poland
Janusz Ligięza: National Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Oczapowskiego 10 Street, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
Jacek Rechulicz: Department of Hydrobiology and Protection of Ecosystems, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Dobrzańskiego 37 Street, 20-262 Lublin, Poland

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 19, 1-19

Abstract: Managing invasive species such as the Chinese sleeper ( Perccottus glenii ) supports the goals of sustainable development by preserving native biodiversity. This study investigated the population structure, growth, and ecological impact of P. glenii in a small, anthropogenically altered tributary of the Vistula River (central Poland). Electrofishing surveys conducted between 2017 and 2023 assessed sex ratio, age structure, body size, condition (Fulton’s index), and growth parameters, as well as changes in the local fish community. The sex ratio was nearly balanced (♀:♂ = 1.00:0.99), and average standard length and weight were 6.54 cm/9.11 g (females) and 6.36 cm/7.69 g (males). Dominant individuals were from age group of 2+ years. The Fulton condition factor ranged from 2.54 to 2.58, while positive algometric growth was observed for both sexes. The von Bertalanffy growth model parameters (L∞ = 175.37 mm, k = 0.104, t 0 = −1.711) revealed slower growth compared to other Eurasian populations. In the individual months of the study, changes in the sex structure, length, weight, and age of the fish were observed. This seasonality may have resulted from physiological changes (including fish growth and reproductive processes), their migration, and environmental changes, such as food availability and hydrochemical parameters, occurring during this period. Additionally, over the study period, the abundance and density of P. glenii increased significantly, coinciding with a marked decline in native fish species. These findings highlight the adaptability of this invasive fish and emphasise the need for targeted management strategies in degraded freshwater ecosystems.

Keywords: invasive species; Perccottus glenii; metric parameters; sustainable management; anthropogenic impact (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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