Abstract
Feeding relationships between walleye, Stizostedion vitreum vitreum, and sauger, Stizostedion canadense, in Lake of the Woods, Minnesota, were investigated. Effectiveness of food consumption estimates in measuring feeding interactions was defined. Differences in walleye and sauger distribution, food habits, and feeding strata reduced interactions. Walleye feeding rate varied from 0.5 to 4.1% of body weight per day and was limited by prey abundance during June and July. Higher August and September prey densities did not influence walleye food consumption. Daily food consumption of sauger varied from 0.5 to 3.5% of body weight independent of changes in food availability. Relationships between the number of prey consumed daily by walleye and sauger and the decline in abundance of prey species suggested that predation was important in controlling food availability, and was the major cause of food competition and its limiting effect on walleye growth.Analysis of commercial catch statistics suggested that factors other than predation influenced walleye survival. However, the relationship between the number of young-of-the-year walleye consumed and their abundance in the lake demonstrated predation by sauger may be important to walleye survival.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.