An experimental comparison of cannibalistic response in different Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus (L.)) stocks

The cannibalistic response of four domesticated Arctic charr stocks were co mpared experimentally using a radiographic technique. Charr from Arctic Spi tsbergen (80 degrees N) consistently exhibited a much higher frequency of c annibalistic response than fish from three charr strains from mainland Norw ay (70 degrees N). The results indicate that the extent of cannibalistic fe eding in Arctic charr is population specific and support the hypothesis tha t charr from Arctic populations have stronger cannibalistic tendencies than do fish from more temperate regions.