Life history characteristics of invasive white perch (Morone americana) at different stages of invasion

To successfully establish in new systems, invasive species must pass through several invasion stages, and life history traits that facilitate successful transitions may change as the species advances through each stage.  Demographic data for species at each stage can be pivotal to understanding and predicting invasions and their effects.  White perch (Morone americana) is an anadromous species that has recently invaded reservoirs across North Carolina. We compared age- and size-at-maturity, gonadosomatic index (GSI), growth, and body condition (relative weight, Wr) across three populations of invasive white perch to elucidate differences between populations at different invasion stages.  Populations ranged from 1 - 21 years since first discovery.  We also compared the invasive populations to a native population from the Albemarle Sound, NC.  Individuals in the most recently established population grew faster, matured earlier, and had a higher mean GSI than in the older populations.  Size-at-maturity and condition were similar among the populations.  All three invasive populations exhibited earlier maturation than the native population; the newest population also exhibited faster growth and increased GSI.  White perch invasion success may be partially attributed to demographic plasticity across invasion stages, which is important to consider when investigating or defining the dynamics of invasive species.