Morphological and trophic differentiation of growth morphotypes of walleye (Sander vitreus) from Lake Winnipeg, Canada

Abstract

Ecologically related polymorphisms occur in many northern freshwater fish populations and are distinguished by alternate phenotypes consistently associated with differential use of habitats or resources. We tested for polymorphism in walleye (Sander vitreus (Mitchill, 1818)) in the south basin of Lake Winnipeg, where evidence suggests that “dwarf” and “normal” growth forms may coexist. Morphometric comparisons of these growth forms at similar size demonstrated significant differences in the relative sizes of head, snout, eye, and mouth, collectively suggesting dwarf individuals inhabit a more benthic niche than normal morphs. Stable isotope analysis did not support this morphometric interpretation, however, as δ13C and δ15N isotope signatures were similar between similar-sized individuals of both forms, but differed from those of large normal walleye. Walleye from Lake Winnipeg do not seem to exhibit a simple resource polymorphism where different ecotypes are associated with alternate habitats throughout their life history, nor do they exhibit characteristics of a simple mating polymorphism. We suggest the walleye from Lake Winnipeg represent two growth forms sharing a common juvenile habitat followed by the normal form shifting into an alternative adult niche.