Feeding of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., parr in the subarctic River Teno and three tributaries in northernmost Finland |
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| Authors: | H Erkinaro J Erkinaro |
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| Institution: | River Tenojoki Fisheries Research Station, Finnish Game and Fisheries Research Institute, Utsjoki, Finland |
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| Abstract: | Abstract— Available food and feeding of Atlantic salmon parr were studied in different parts of a subarctic river in northernmost Finland, the River Teno: in the large main stem, in a major tributary influenced by lakes, and in two minor tributaries. The highest density of benthic organisms was found in an outlet of a lake, but drifting organisms were the most abundant in the small tributaries. Migrant parr that move to the small tributaries from the main stem have better food resources in their new habitat. Plecoptera nymphs were the most important prey for salmon parr early in the spring. Later in the summer dipterans were usually the dominant prey group. In September the importance of Plecoptera was emphasized in the small tributaries and the lake outlet, and that of Trichoptera in other sites. Drifting prey was used more by large than by small parr. The utilization of drifting food appeared to be related to the water temperature rather than to the availability of the drift. |
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| Keywords: | food availability drift benthos prey selection habitat selection salmonidae |
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