Comparative characteristics of fishery indicators of various sturgeon species when grown in natural temperature regimes of water bodies of the Republic of Karelia

Abstract

The paper presents materials on the rearing of Siberian sturgeon of the Lena population (Acipenser baerii Brandt), sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus Linnaeus) and their hybrid sturgeon (Acipenser baerii Brandt × Acipenser ruthenus Linnaeus) in the conditions of natural temperature regimes of natural reservoirs of the Republic of Karelia. It is noted that the climatic conditions of the region allow us to grow sturgeon to marketable sizes in cages in the natural temperature ranges of natural reservoirs. In order to determine the most suitable object for growing, the fish-breeding, biological and morphological indicators of Siberian sturgeon, sterlet and hybrid sturgeon were studied. The results of growing these objects in the cages of the Kedrosero fish hatchery showed their prospects for use in commercial fish farming. The highest indicators were observed when growing Siberian sturgeon, which showed a significantly higher rate of weight growth, good survival and effective use of feed. When grown for three years, the weight of Siberian sturgeon was 2053 g, sterlet — 682 g. The growth rate of the hybrid sturgeon was lower than that of the Siberian sturgeon and higher than that of the sterlet. The assessment of plasticity and exterior indices also showed the advantage of the Siberian sturgeon in comparison with other species. Fish-breeding, biological and morphometric indicators of sterlet and sturgeon hybrid were some lower, however, the high taste and nutritional value of these species make it possible to consider them quite promising objects of cultivation in the Northern regions.