Sprinting performance and behavior of adult shortnose sturgeon ( Acipenser brevirostrum )

Swimming ability and performance are central to the ecology of aquatic species and to the design of structures intended to promote access to habitat. This is particularly important for migratory species traveling over significant distances. Here, we present results of a study of swimming behaviors o...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inCanadian journal of fisheries and aquatic sciences
Main Authors Castro-Santos, Theodore, Kieffer, Micah, Goerig, Elsa
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published 27.09.2024
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Summary:Swimming ability and performance are central to the ecology of aquatic species and to the design of structures intended to promote access to habitat. This is particularly important for migratory species traveling over significant distances. Here, we present results of a study of swimming behaviors of adult shortnose sturgeon ( Acipenser brevirostrum). Sturgeon were presented with velocity challenges of 0.5–2.5 m·s ‒1 in a 35 m long flume that they were allowed to enter and ascend volitionally. Attempt rate was greatest among large sturgeon, at warm temperatures, and at low flow velocities. Sturgeon swam for shorter distances and durations against high-velocity flows; larger sturgeon had greater overall performance and endurance, but when velocities were standardized to body lengths the relative performance was reduced with increased body size. Overall, however, sturgeon were able to swim at much greater speeds than previously predicted, consistent with other studies showing that volitional performance exceeds that of data collected in common laboratory apparatus.
ISSN:0706-652X
1205-7533
DOI:10.1139/cjfas-2023-0257