What do newly hatched walleye fry primarily sustain themselves on initially?
Answer
Zooplankton
The very beginning of the walleye's life cycle requires them to consume the smallest available organisms, which are defined as zooplankton. These microscopic creatures drift suspended within the water column. The success rate for survival during these critical initial weeks is heavily dependent upon the density and consistent availability of this specific tiny, floating food source. Only after gaining some size do they transition to slightly larger invertebrates and aquatic insects that their mouths can handle.
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