Influence of Diet on Lake Trout Fatty Acid and Thiamine Concentrations Following Controlled Feeding

Session: Poster session

Matthew Futia, The College at Brockport - State University of New York, [email protected]
Dimitry Gorsky, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, [email protected]
Brian Weidel, U.S. Geological Survey, Great Lakes Science Center, [email protected]
Michael Connerton, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, [email protected]
Jacques Rinchard, The College at Brockport, State University of New York, [email protected]

Abstract

Through natural and anthropogenic processes, the prey fishes in Lake Ontario have been undergoing fluctuations in abundance. The most notable changes in recent years are the increases in Deepwater Sculpin (Myoxocephalus thompsonii) and Cisco (Coregonus artedi), which are both native to the lake. While it is encouraging that these populations are increasing, it is unknown how they will impact the predatory fish in the lake. The purpose of this experiment was to determine how these two species will influence Lake Trout lipid content, fatty acid concentrations, and thiamine concentrations in comparison to three common nonnative species present in the lake: Alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus), Rainbow Smelt (Osmerus mordax), and Round Goby (Neogobius melanostomus). Dried diets were prepared using tissue from each species. In addition, diets containing multiple species were made (Alewife:Cisco 3:1, 1:1, 1:3; Smelt:Cisco 1:1; and Round Goby:Deepwater Sculpin 1:1). Lake Trout were fed daily for 16 weeks and were sampled every four weeks. We will discuss changes in Lake Trout fatty acid and thiamine concentrations as well as lipid content over time and among diets.

1. Keyword
lake trout

2. Keyword
fish diets

3. Keyword
vitamin B