Optimization of Stocking Density for Beluga (Huso huso) and Persian Sturgeon (Acipenser persicus) culture

In this research, we investigated the effects of stocking density on growth performance and survival rate of Persian sturgeon and Beluga.

Stocking densities for treatments 1-5 of Persian sturgeon in stages 1 were 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14 fish/l (initial weight: 116mg) and in stage 2 were 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 fish/l (initial weight: 2218/6mg). Stocking densities of five months old Beluga juveniles (initial weight: 109.95g) for treatments 1-5 were 80, 100, 120, 140 and 160 fish/m3 in each 250-liter tank respectively.

Growth and feeding parameters were affected as the stocking densities increased in both species. In stage 1 in terms of weight, SGR and food efficiency, treatments 1 and 2 showed significantly higher values (p<0.05) comparing with treatment 5, treatments 4 and 5 and all treatments respectively. In stage 2, there are significant differences amongst the all treatments in terms of weight and SGR except treatments 3 and 4. Food efficiency in treatment 1 was significantly higher (p<0.05) than the rests except treatment 2. In Beluga, there were significant differences amongst all treatments except treatments 3 and 4 in terms of weight, SGR, and food efficiency and the highest values were observed in treatment 1.

The best stocking densities for stage 1 and 2 of Persian sturgeon were 8-10 and 1-2 fish/l respectively and for Beluga, juveniles were 80-100 fish/m3.