Rearing of great sturgeon, Huso huso, at early stage of growth in earthen ponds

Abstract

Summary The objective of this study was to evaluate the best practical management to rearing of great sturgeon from early stages to the time of releasing. Three 4 ha earthen ponds were considered for this aim. About 12 500 juveniles of great sturgeon with an average weight of 2.5 ± 0.1 g were stocked ha−1. Rearing in the ponds was carried out for 2 months. Water quality, live food biomass in ponds, diet composition in gut, and the growth of fish were measured and monitored during the culture period. Fish reached the weight of 39 g with the survival rate of 70%. Specific growth rate for weight (SGRW), weight gain (WG) and condition factor (CF) were 4.59% day−1, 1468, and 0.44%, respectively at the end of the experiment. The examination of gut contents of fish indicated that Cladocera, mainly various kinds of Daphnia constituted the most feed consumed. The results of this study showed that the quality of water and live food produced in earthen ponds has an influence on the growth rate and survival of great sturgeon and if the conditions are sufficient, higher growth and survival rates will be expected.