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Richmond, A. M. and B. Kynard (1995). Ontogenetic behavior of shortnose sturgeon, Acipenser brevirostrum. Copeia. 172-182.
Ontogenetic behavioral changes of young shortnose sturgeon Acipenser brevirostrum of Connecticut River stock are described for three morphological stages (embryo-larva-juvenile). Hatchlings (<1-day embryos) were positively rheotactic, photonegative, benthic, and vigorously sought cover. If denied cover, they exhibited vertical swim-up and drift behavior until cover was found. Older 1-8 day embryos exhibited the same behaviors as hatchlings; except when denied cover, they searched along the bottom until cover was found. The photonegative and cover seeking behaviors are adaptations that enable embryos to complete development while concealed under structure at a spawning site. Larvae 9-16 days old left cover and were positively rheotactic and photopositive. An estimated 75% of 9-14 day larvae left bottom cover and swam in the water column, suggesting that larvae, not embryos, initiate the downstream migration from a spawning site. Larvae were most active at night and preferred deep water and silt substrate. Most 43-66 day juveniles were benthic swimmers and, like larvae, positively rheotactic, photopositive, and nocturnally active. Behavior of embryos and larvae suggests shortnose sturgeon should be classified in the lithophil reproductive guild, not the litho-pelagophil guild.
U.S. Department of the Interior |
U.S. Geological Survey
URL: http://www.umesc.usgs.gov/URL: http://www.umesc.usgs.gov/data_library/fisheries/fish_passage/richmond.html
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November 3, 2015
