[Pre-print] The effect of substrate rearing on the growth, aerobic scope, and physiology of larval white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus)
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Issue Date
2018-04-24
Authors
Boucher, Marcus A.
Baker, Daniel W.
Brauner, Colin J.
Shrimpton, J. Mark
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Subject
Abstract
The effect of substrate on growth and metabolic rate was assessed in larval white
sturgeon (Aciperser transmontanus). Yolk sac larvae (YSL) were reared in bare tanks or tanks
with gravel as substrate from hatch until approximately 16 days post hatch (dph). The effect of
an artificial substrate was also evaluated for growth alone. Substrate had a significant effect on
weight, with larvae reared in gravel and artificial substrate being larger than those reared without
substrate. Respirometry measurements of resting (routine) metabolic rates in fish reared without
gravel were significantly greater than those reared with gravel during the yolk sac phase. Aerobic
scope (the difference between maximum and routine metabolic rate) was significantly lower for
YSL and feeding larvae (FL) in bare tanks than those reared with gravel, particularly before fish
started feeding exogenously. Routine factorial scope (maximum metabolic rate divided by
routine metabolic rate) indicated that the ability to elevate metabolic rate above routine in the
early ontogeny of white sturgeon is extremely limited (< 1.7). These findings suggest that YSL
reared without substrate may divert more of their energy to non-growth related processes, such
as exercise, as higher activity levels were observed but not quantified in YSL sturgeon reared without substrate. These results underscore the importance of adequate rearing substrate for growth and development, and may provide support for habitat restoration and alternative hatchery rearing methods.
Description
Pre-print