Determination of gamete development of Siberian (A. baerii) and diamond (A. gueldenstaedtii) sturgeon in Eastern Black Sea conditions

In this study, the purpose was to determine the gonadal development and gender of the Siberian (Acipenser baerii) and diamond sturgeon (A. gueldenstaedtii) species by using ultrasonography and blood parameters in the Eastern Black sea under culture conditions. The study was conducted in the period of October 2015- June 2016. A total of 15 Siberian sturgeons and 15 diamond sturgeons from brood stock candidates that are healthy at the age of 4 and onwards were selected and tagged. Mean fish weight and condition factor was 4.2±1.2 kg and 0.68 for the Siberian sturgeon group; 4.8±1.1 kg and 0.71 for the diamond sturgeon group, respectively. The ultrasound imaging, hemogram studies (hematocrit, erythrocyte, leukocyte, hemoglobin values) and blood plasma analysis (calcium and sodium ions, steroids as estradiol, testosterone and progesterone) were carried out monthly. According to ultrasound imaging results, 7 female and 8 male individuals in the Siberian sturgeon group and 7 female, 7 male and one immature individuals in diamond sturgeon were identified in study groups. Successful gender detection was performed using ultrasound imaging. According to the peak values determined in hemogram and in steroids values, gamete production period was determined to be between February-March for Siberian sturgeons and April-May for diamond sturgeons. Gamete collection was achieved successfully from 1 male in the Siberian sturgeon group and 3 males in the diamond sturgeon group, determined to be in the third maturity stage.