Food, feeding habits, and growth of goldeye, Hiodon alosoides (Rafinesque), in waters of the Peace–Athabasca Delta

The feeding habits of goldeye were determined by examining the food items found in 1785 stomachs collected from the Peace–Athabasca Delta, Alberta, in 1971, 1972, and 1973. Larval goldeye fed primarily on Calanoida and Cladocera. Post-larval goldeye fed mainly on Cladocera, Corixidae, and aerial insects but few Calanoida. These young fish selected the larger Cladocera and Calanoida from the plankton community. Growth was continuous from June to early September. Yearling and older goldeye had similar feeding habits with Corixidae being the most frequent food item present. They also fed on other aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates and small vertebrates. The food consumed on a given day reflected local as well as seasonal and yearly differences in abundance of the various organisms. Stomachs of these goldeye contained the least amounts of food during July and August. Yearling and fish at least up to age III showed appreciable growth only during June and July.