The effects of temperature on swimming performance of juvenile shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum)

The swimming performance of juvenile shortnose sturgeon (similar to 16 cm TL, similar to 20 g), Acipenser brevirostrum, was quantified with regards to temperature (5 to 25 degrees C) using both increased (Ucrit) and fixed velocity (endurance) tests in a laboratory setting. Sturgeons were found to show reduced Ucrit values at 5 and 10 degrees C (25.99 and 28.86 cm s-1 respectively), with performance beginning to plateau at 15 degrees C through 25 degrees C (33.99 cm s-1). For the endurance protocol, fish were tested at speeds of 35, 40 and 45 cm s-1 at 5, 15 and 25 degrees C. Performance within a single speed was similar at all temperatures, indicating the usage of anaerobic metabolism to fuel locomotion at these higher velocities. Overall, shortnose sturgeon demonstrated high tolerance towards a wide range of temperatures but showed few differences between performance levels at colder or warmer water conditions.