Lake herring (Coregonus artedi) and rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax) diets in western Lake Superior

Journal of Great Lakes Research
By: , and 

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Abstract

We describe the diets of lake herring (Coregonus artedi) and rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax) in western Lake Superior during the summers of 1996 and 1997. Both species consumed predominantly (> 71% by number) zooplankton, showing a preference for larger taxa. Diet overlap between the two species was low (Schoener's index = 0.42). Mysis was most important in rainbow smelt diets, whereas Diaptomus sicilis was most important in lake herring diets. Rainbow smelt selected larger taxa, and larger individuals within a taxon when compared to lake herring, although rainbow smelt tended to be smaller fish. Fish diets have changed relative to previous studies and may be reflecting changes in the zooplankton community. Continued changes in the fish and zooplankton community will alter predatorprey and energetic pathways, ultimately affecting growth and production of the ecosystem.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Lake herring (Coregonus artedi) and rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax) diets in western Lake Superior
Series title Journal of Great Lakes Research
DOI 10.1016/S0380-1330(04)70401-3
Volume 30
Issue 1
Year Published 2004
Language English
Publisher Elsevier
Contributing office(s) Great Lakes Science Center
Description 7 p.
First page 407
Last page 413
Country United States
State Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin
Other Geospatial Lake Superior
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