Metric Characters and Body Indices of Juvenile Sterlet Acipenser ruthenus Raised in a Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS)

Abstract

Our research was performed on juvenile sterlets (Acipenser ruthenus), aged between 346-431 days, maintained in five round pools (Ø=3 m, V=6 m3, h-100 cm) and fed with a commercial extruded pellet (3 mm granulation, 48% CP, and 10% EE). Body weight and total body length on 30 individuals from each tank were determined every two weeks. Weighing and somatic measurements achieved at the end of experimental period (standard length-l, body weight-G, maximum body high–H, maximum body perimeter (Pmax), head length–lh,, caudal peduncle length-lp) allowed us to calculate the following body indices: profile index, thickness index, Fulton index, Kiselev index, meat index. Statistical analysis was performed by using the SPSS IBM 22 and Minitab 16 software. Data were reported as Mean±Sx at a significant level of p<0.05. Testing differences between means was realized by ANOVA completed with post-hoc Tukey test. Results obtained led to conclude that specimens analyzed had a good maintenance and feeding, an adequate development, a high proportion of meat, an elongated body and a straight back, and they are eligible for selection.

Keywords

• acipenser ruthenus
• body indices
• recirculating aquaculture system (ras)
• somatic measurements