Influence of Rainbow Trout (Oncothynchus mykiss) on Density and Feeding Behaviour of a Perlid Stonefly

Stonefly (Paragnetina media) density was reduced in a rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) enclosure by approximately 35%, whereas in a trout exclosure no significant changes in density occurred. Of the 35% reduction, approximately two-fifths and three-fifths were attributable, respectively to direct consumption of stoneflies by trout, and emigration by stoneflies from the predator-stressed section of stream. With trout present in laboratory aquaria, predator avoidance behaviour resulted in stoneflies remaining significantly more on dark substrate on which they were less vulnerable to trout predators. Stoneflies consumed significantly fewer prey (enchytraeid whiteworms) over 24 h, in the presence of both small (2.0–4.0 cm) and large (10.0–12.0 cm) rainbow trout in aquaria, compared with stoneflies feeding in trout-free aquaria. Feeding rate and substrate selection did not differ between well-fed and starved (5 d) nymphs.