Growth of sterlet Acipenser ruthenus under experimental and farm conditions of the Czech Republic, with remarks on other sturgeons

Abstract

Growth rate of sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus) juveniles and adults was studied and compared with other sturgeon species under experimental and farm conditions in the Czech Republic. During the juvenile development (0+ to 5+) the specific growth rate (SGR) decreased successively from 17.67 to 0.05 %.d−1. During the adult period of development (6+ to 13+), the SGR fluctuated from 0.0191 to 0.0562, mean = 0.0410 %.d−1. In addition, body weight condition and length-weight relationship are presented. The adult period commenced at average age from 4 to 5 years. At the end of subsequent 13 years of life (1st–13th), following values of TL/w (in mm/g) in reared sterlet were determined: 250/53, 350/174, 400/250, 440/320, 465/400, 490/462, 516/525, 546/645, 561/720, 596/860, 610/1014, 625/1199, 660/1456. A very fast growth intensity was determined in the young sterlet (1st and 2nd year) while it decreased in the older fish. Growth intensity of other reared greater sturgeon species (Huso huso, Polyodon spathula, A. gueldenstaedtii, A baerii, A. stellatus), compared with sterlet in early juvenile period of ontogeny, were mainly higher.