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The effects of prey relative abundance and chemical cues on prey selection in rainbow trout
Author(s) -
Bres M.
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
journal of fish biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.672
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1095-8649
pISSN - 0022-1112
DOI - 10.1111/j.1095-8649.1989.tb02994.x
Subject(s) - biology , predation , foraging , rainbow trout , optimal foraging theory , relative species abundance , selection (genetic algorithm) , ecology , maximization , abundance (ecology) , trout , fish <actinopterygii> , zoology , fishery , mathematics , artificial intelligence , computer science , mathematical optimization
An optimal foraging model was used to predict prey selection based on both energy maximization and number maximization strategies. The influence of chemical cues and relative abundance on rainbow trout diet selection was examined under laboratory conditions. In most fish, diet composition was strongly influenced by chemical cues. No fish followed an energy maximization strategy, and selection of prey based on taste persisted despite large caloric penalties associated with these choices. In the absence of chemical cues, diet composition was based on relative abundance of prey (a number maximization strategy). Within the feasible constraints of the optimal foraging model lie a large number of possible diet combinations which would provide sufficient energy for growth and reproduction. This provides a wide scope for feeding flexibility. Response to prey chemical cues may be the basis for observations of individual diet variability in trout.