Habitat overlap of juvenile and adult lake trout of Great Bear Lake: Evidence for lack of a predation gradient?

摘要: A range of organisms, from plankton to fish, commonly shift their habitat distributions horizontally or vertically due predation risk. Juvenile lake trout, Salvelinus namaycush, are generally viewed as occupying deep areas lakes decrease pressure adults. In contrast, we found that juvenile trout Great Bear Lake, NT, Canada, occupied a variety habitats and shallow depths (0–150 m), overlapping with adult trout. No evidence occurred for length depth‐based segregation (e.g., ontogenetic shift). Genetic variation was also similar among juveniles in the different depth zones. However, isotopic niches C:N ratios showed some variability niche widths positions individuals caught 51–150 m zone compared 0–20 m 21–50 m The uniformly distributed Lake may evenly distribute (including cannibalism) across shallow‐ deep‐water more than other lakes. As result, respond differences foraging opportunities rather risks. did not appear conform general pattern seeking refuge reduce displayed broad resource use all habitats.