Behavioural responses of female lake trout Salvelinus namaycush to male chemical stimuli and prostaglandin F 2α

Male olfactory cues may guide aggregation on spawning reefs, mate evaluation and synchronized gamete release in lake trout Salvelinus namaycush , but a lack of information on the source and identity of the cues precludes direct tests of their function. Using a two‐channel flume, we found ovulated female lake trout increased time spent in the channel treated with spermiated male‐conditioned water, urine and bile but not synthesized prostaglandin F 2α . We suggest future efforts to characterize male olfactory cues focus on urine and postulate that bile acids contribute to its behavioural activity.