Abstract
Abstract Freshwater crabs (Aegla) were collected in Chile and Argentina in 1971 and shipped to California for laboratory observations to determine the desirability of introducing them into California as forage for trout. Stomachs and scales taken from Chilean trout were examined to determine the importance of Aegla in the diet and growth of trout. Aegla made up 66% of the dry weight of the identifiable stomach contents of river-dwelling rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) and 67% of the stomach contents of river-dwelling brown trout (S. trutta). However, they were not as important as fish in the diets of lake-dwelling trout. The growth rates of Chilean trout sampled from waters containing Aegla were rapid, suggesting that the abundant crab populations probably contribute significantly to the large size attained by Chilean trout. Laboratory observations confirmed that Aegla are detritivores and herbivores; in addition, they were found to be predators. Besides eating detritus and periphyton, they preyed upon aq...
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