Abstract

The food consumed by crayfish (Astacus astacus) was investigated in Lake Steinsfjorden, SE Norway, during the ice-free period. The stomach contents of crayfish of different sizes and from different habitats were examined. Despite a transition from oligotrophic to mesotrophic conditions and a recent mass invasion of Canadian waterweed (Elodea canadensis) in the shallow areas of the lake, the food composition had not changed markedly since the last study in 1944. The majority of individuals from all size groups contained detritus and/or benthic macrophytes on all sampling dates. Benthic algae also constituted a considerable part of their diet, while benthic Crustacea, insects, zooplankton and fish only made up a minor part of the diet. The frequency of crayfish with empty stomachs was higher during late autumn and during molting than at other times.

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