Foraging and predation risk for larval cisco ( Coregonus artedi ) in Lake Superior: a modelling synthesis of empirical survey data

•We modelled predation risk and growth of cisco larvae in Lake Superior.•Factors influencing the survival of cisco larvae appeared to vary across Lake Superior.•In situ zooplankton densities may restrict growth of cisco larvae.•Cisco recruitment may be dampened by incidental predation by rainbow smelt.