Beschreibung:
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>The species composition and feeding behaviour of fish larvae and juveniles was investigated in a shallow inlet of the Southern Baltic. The aim of the study was to examine if there was a predatory impact of young fish on the observed annual collapse of the copepod population. Dominant fish species were herring (<jats:italic>Clupea harengus</jats:italic>), perch (<jats:italic>Perca fluviatilis</jats:italic>) and roach (<jats:italic>Rutilus rutilus</jats:italic>). Roach larvae preferred shallower areas, whereas young herring and perch were found in open water.</jats:p><jats:p>Highest consumption values were always observed in the evening. By computing complete evacuation of the digestive tract in approximately 3.5 hours, daily consumption in percent of fish fresh weight was 1.3, 4.7 and 5.5% for young herring, roach and perch, respectively. The impact of young fish on the dynamics of the population of the copepod species <jats:italic>Eurytemora affinis</jats:italic> is negligible.</jats:p>