Comparison of growth, morphometric and meristic parameters of hybrids produced by crossing between Beluga (Huso huso) and Persian Sturgeon (Acipenser persicus)

Abstract

Reciprocal crosses between Beluga and Persian Sturgeon in four treatments and three replications were conducted and reproduction metrics including number of eggs per gram, percentage of fertilization, and survival rate were assessed. Also, we measured 32 morphometric and meristic attributes of brood stocks, hybrids and controls. To compare the growth rate of hybrids and controls, fingerlings were grown for 18 months in 2000 liter fiberglass tanks and fed by pellets. During rearing period, 17 samples were taken in 15-30 days interval and total weight and length of the specimens were measured. Average weight and length, standard deviation, analysis of variance, Duncan test and Heterosis were calculated. We found a significant difference (P≤0.003) between numbers of eggs of Beluga (controls) in comparison with hybrid (♂Beluga x ♀Persian sturgeon) and between Persian sturgeon's eggs with hybrids (♀Beluga x ♂Persian sturgeon). However, no significant differences were found (P≥.001) between ....

Keywords

• eggs
• period
• Persian
• Sturgeon