Feeding Ecology of the Sauger (Stizostedion canadense) in a Large River

In stomachs of 550 sauger (Stizostedion canadense) collected by gillnetting in the Ohio River during June 1980 through August 1981, Dorosoma cepedianum were the most abundant prey (42% of all identified prey), followed by Notropis atherinoides (28%), Aplodinotus grunniens (16%), and Ictalurus punctatus (12%). Annual food consumption of sauger averaged 1.1% of the body weight per day. Growth and daily ration followed similar patterns, being high from September to January (maximum in October) and low from March to August. Rapid growth and high food consumption throughout fall and early winter were related to an extended period of high temperatures and increased availability of Dorosoma cepedianum. The annual period of growth and food consumption was longer and peaked later in the year in the river than those previously observed in other types of aquatic systems.