Effect of morphological fin curl on the swimming performance and station-holding ability of juvenile shovelnose sturgeon
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Abstract
We assessed the effect of fin-curl on the swimming and station-holding ability of juvenile shovelnose sturgeon Scaphirhynchus platorynchus (mean fork length = 17 cm; mean weight = 16 g; n = 21) using a critical swimming speed test performed in a small swim chamber (90 L) at 20°C. We quantified fin-curl severity using the pectoral fin index. Results showed a positive relationship between pectoral fin index and critical swimming speed indicative of reduced swimming performance displayed by fish afflicted with a pectoral fin index < 8%. Fin-curl severity, however, did not affect the station-holding ability of individual fish. Rather, fish affected with severe fin-curl were likely unable to use their pectoral fins to position their body adequately in the water column, which led to the early onset of fatigue. Results generated from this study should serve as an important consideration for future stocking practices.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Effect of morphological fin curl on the swimming performance and station-holding ability of juvenile shovelnose sturgeon |
| Series title | Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management |
| DOI | 10.3996/092015-JFWM-087 |
| Volume | 7 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Year Published | 2016 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Contributing office(s) | Coop Res Unit Leetown |
| Description | 7 p. |
| First page | 198 |
| Last page | 204 |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |