Size Selectivity of Coho (<i>Oncorhynchus kisutch</i>) Preying on Juvenile Chum Salmon (<i>O</i>.<i>keta</i>)

Abstract

Predation may be a major source of size-dependent mortality of Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) during early sea life. Our experiments conducted in large saltwater enclosures demonstrated that coho (Oncorhynchus kisutch) are size selective when preying on juvenile chum (O. keta) salmon. Yearling coho (112–130 mm fork length) consumed significantly more smaller chum over a range in prey size of 43–63 mm fork length. We hypothesize that the intensity of size selectivity by coho and other predators is variable, depending on the relative sizes of the predators and prey.