Differences in pyloric caeca counts between lean and siscowet lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) in southern Lake Superior

There are four documented morphotypes of lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) in Lake Superior, with the two dominant forms being the shallow water lean and the deep water siscowet. These morphotypes are differentiated externally by morphometrics and meristics. Pyloric caeca counts have been used to distinguish closely related fish species including the Salvelinus genus. From samples collected in 2009, 2011–2013, and 2017, we counted and measured pyloric caeca from 116 lean and 119 siscowet lake trout from southern Lake Superior. For a subset of 22 leans and 19 siscowets between 575 and 625 mm, we measured individual pyloric caecum basal diameter, length, and estimated individual caecum and total caeca surface areas. Siscowets had significantly fewer and thicker pyloric caeca than leans, but caecum length did not differ between the morphotypes. Mean pyloric caeca count for siscowets and leans was 131 and 153, respectively. Mean individual caecum surface area was 31% higher in siscowets than in leans. When adjusted for mean total number of pyloric caeca, total caecum surface area for siscowets was 12% greater than leans. We postulate that greater pyloric caecum surface area in siscowets may be an adaption for greater lipid uptake because they have substantially higher lipid content than leans. Based on our findings, pyloric caeca counts can be used in addition to other meristic and morphometric characteristics to help distinguish lean and siscowet lake trout.