Growth of Laboratory-Held Gulf of Mexico Sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrhynchus desotoi)

Abstract

Abstract The first recorded growth of two Gulf of Mexico sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrhynchus desotoi), obtained as recently hatched fry and reared for 17 months (March 25, 1989, through August 31, 1990) in laboratory conditions, is presented. During the first 1.5 months, sturgeon number 1, held in a tank with natural substrates and aerated well water, was offered homogenized amphipods, snails, prawns, crayfish, and chironomid larvae. Sturgeon number 2, held in a 3.8-L aquarium with pea gravel, was offered live brine shrimp (Artemia sp.) and whole aquatic blackworms (Lumbriculus van egatus). For the next 10 months, both Gulf of Mexico sturgeons were fed whole live blackworms and thereafter were provided whole live West African nightcrawlers (Eudrilus eugeniae) and brandling worms (Eisenia foetida). In the first year, sturgeon 1 attained a total length of 71.6 cm and weight of 1.87 kg, and sturgeon 2 grew to 63.4 cm and 1.41 kg. After 17 months before release to the Suwannee River, Florida, sturgeon 1 was 84.9 ...