Effects of incubation substrates on hatch timing and success of White Sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) embryos
Scientific Investigations Report
2013-5180
Prepared in cooperation with the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho
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Abstract
The Kootenai River white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) was listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act in 1994 because several decades of failed spawning had put the population at risk of extinction. Natural spawning is known to occur at several locations in the Kootenai River, Idaho, but there is little natural recruitment. Microhabitat where embryo incubation occurs is known to be an important factor in white sturgeon reproductive success. This study was conducted to address questions regarding the suitability of different substrates as egg attachment and incubation sites for these fish. A comparative laboratory study using six types of incubation substrates—clean river rocks, periphyton- and algae-covered rocks, waterlogged wood, sand, riparian vegetation, and clean glass plates—tested the hypothesis that survival to hatch of white sturgeon eggs differs among incubation substrates. The results showed that sand was unsuitable as an incubation substrate, as the adhesive embryos were easily dislodged. Periphyton- and algae-covered rocks had the lowest hatch success, and all other substrates had similar hatch success.
Suggested Citation
Parsley, M.J., Kofoot, E., 2013, Effects of incubation substrates on hatch timing and success of White Sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) embryos: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2013-5180, 16 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20135180.
ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)
Study Area
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | Effects of incubation substrates on hatch timing and success of White Sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) embryos |
| Series title | Scientific Investigations Report |
| Series number | 2013-5180 |
| DOI | 10.3133/sir20135180 |
| Year Published | 2013 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey |
| Publisher location | Reston, VA |
| Contributing office(s) | Western Fisheries Research Center |
| Description | 16 p. |
| Country | United States |
| State | Idaho |
| Other Geospatial | Kootenai River |