Swimming Characteristics of the Siberian Sturgeon

Abstract

The Siberian sturgeon, Acipenser baerii Brandt, widely distributed throughout all major rivers in Siberia, inhabits the largest range compared to other sturgeon species. Nowadays, the Siberian sturgeon is the main species for sturgeon aquaculture in several countries. Swimming and respiratory characteristics of fish can be modulated, affected, and constrained by morphological, physiological, and environmental variables. Compared with other sturgeon species, Siberian sturgeon exhibits similar behaviors including station-holding under high water velocity. However, this species has some special swimming characteristics, including relatively strong swimming performance and a relative low drag coefficient incurred by their unique body form and scarce bony scutes and a high ability to cope with the lack of ambient oxygen. This chapter will try to summarize and discuss existing knowledge on behavior and kinematics, capacity, metabolism, and functional morphology in swimming performance of this species and to give enlightenment for potential application on sturgeon aquaculture.