Larval Coregonus spp. diets and zooplankton community patterns in the Apostle Islands, Lake Superior

摘要: Abstract With the exception of lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis), relatively little is known about early life history larval coregonines in Laurentian Great Lakes. For example, our knowledge feeding ecology (excluding whitefish) based on only 900 stomachs reported literature. Here, we describe diets and demographics from ice-out to late July, contemporaneous zooplankton community, Apostle Islands region Lake Superior 2018. Exogenous was evident among smallest larvae (down 6 mm). Percent with food their increased yolk reserves decreased as grew 10 13 mm. A majority diet (58%) copepod nauplii, generally positive selection for adult copepods Holopedium. The patterns exogenous sac absorption were similar observations 1970s. Diets also similar, although Limnocalanus, Holopedium, eggs more prevalent 2018 than Demographic data suggested at least two distinct cohorts and/or coregonine species Post-hoc genetic testing a parallel study samples comprised mix predominantly cisco (C. artedi), kiyi kiyi), bloater hoyi). Early studies, when coupled emerging techniques that can identify species, will provide powerful combination better understand population dynamics time ongoing restoration rehabilitation efforts throughout