The successful production of “sterbel” hybrids using beluga (Huso huso) cryopreserved sperm

The Effect of Cryopreserved Sperm on the Early Development, Survival, and Growth of Intergeneric Sterbel Hybrids (Acipenser ruthenus × Huso huso)

“…Intergeneric crosses between Huso huso beluga (genus Huso ) and Acipenser ruthenus sterlets (genus Acipenser ) produce highly interesting hybrids [ 10 ]. The hybrids derived from beluga females and sterlet males are known as besters (official international name), whereas the crosses between sterlet females and beluga males are referred to as sterbels [ 10 , 11 ]. Bester and sterbel hybrids play an important role in aquaculture because they inherit valuable traits from their parents, including rapid growth (inherited from belugas) and early sexual maturation (inherited from sterlets) [ 10 , 11 ].…”

“…The hybrids derived from beluga females and sterlet males are known as besters (official international name), whereas the crosses between sterlet females and beluga males are referred to as sterbels [ 10 , 11 ]. Bester and sterbel hybrids play an important role in aquaculture because they inherit valuable traits from their parents, including rapid growth (inherited from belugas) and early sexual maturation (inherited from sterlets) [ 10 , 11 ]. In addition, these hybrids easily adapt to artificial rearing conditions and thrive on aquaculture feeds.…”

“…The embryonic development of sturgeon fish is most often monitored at four stages: (1) mitotic division I-II, (2) gastrulation, (3) neurulation, (4) prior hatching. The most developmental abnormality in sturgeon embryos results from morphogenesis during gastrulation [ 5 , 9 , 11 ]. This is usually observed in the onset of neurulation stage when the yolk plug is not covered during neural plate formation [ 5 , 9 , 11 ].…”

“…The most developmental abnormality in sturgeon embryos results from morphogenesis during gastrulation [ 5 , 9 , 11 ]. This is usually observed in the onset of neurulation stage when the yolk plug is not covered during neural plate formation [ 5 , 9 , 11 ].…”

“…In sturgeon hybridization, fresh semen is more frequently used than cryopreserved semen. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the applicability of cryopreserved semen for crossing sturgeon species has only been examined in the following hybrids: sterlet × Siberian sturgeon, sterlet × Russian sturgeon, sterlet × European sturgeon [ 13 ], and sterlet × beluga [ 11 ]. The semen cryopreservation procedure and fertilization success in the production of sterbel hybrids have been described in a recent study [ 11 ].…”