Abstract
Abstract Rainbow smelt Osmerus mordax were introduced into Horsetooth Reservoir, Colorado, in 1983 as potential prey for walleye Stizostedion vitreum. Survival and reproduction of adult rainbow smelt were documented in 1983, and relative abundance was monitored from 1983 to 1991 by means of a midwater trawl. Rainbow smelt density fluctuated annually, with trawl catches ranging from 0 to 383 adults per hour. Before the introduction of rainbow smelt, walleyes fed primarily on decapods and other invertebrates, and on salmonids and other game fishes. Volumetrically, rainbow smelt increased from 19% of the total walleye diet in 1985 to 87% in 1988. Walleyes sampled from 1989 to 1991 (N = 588) consumed only rainbow smelt. Walleye growth from age 1 to age 3 increased by 50% in the 9 years following rainbow smelt introduction.
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