The Effect of Different Feeding Applications on the Swimming Behaviour of Siberian Sturgeon: A Method for Improving Restocking Programmes

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Restocking programmes are of crucial importance for the stabilisation of wild sturgeon stocks. Despite massive restocking, the survival rate of post-released fish is very low. The low survival is most likely caused by poor fish adaptability due to hatchery rearing practices. This study aimed to provide a deeper understanding of the effect of different feeding applications with day and night regimes and periods of starvation on the modified swimming behaviour of Siberian sturgeons reared in recirculating aquaculture conditions. Our data showed that the modified behaviour of the Siberian sturgeon in our study was caused by fish starvation rather than by the method of feed application or day/night light regimes. ABSTRACT: Restocking programmes of different fish species have been implemented worldwide. However, the survival of hatchery-reared fish after release to riverine ecosystems is at a very low level. One of the reasons for the high mortality rate of post-released fish is their modified swimming behaviour due to the hatchery rearing practice. To investigate one of the possible causes for modified swimming behaviour, Acipenser baerii larvae were exposed to surface- and bottom-feeding applications with day and night light regimes in a factorial design. We also analysed the effect of 5 and 10 days of starvation after different feeding applications on sturgeon swimming behaviour. The surface-feeding application was previously expected to promote the frequent Siberian sturgeon swim up to the mid- and top-water layers in our rearing facilities. However, our results indicated that the modified behaviour of the Siberian sturgeon in our study was caused by fish starvation and a possible predator-free environment rather than by the method of feed application or the day/night light regimes. These results may be used to improve the implementation of restocking programmes either through modified hatchery rearing practice or the training of foraging skills with predator stimuli.