Russian Sturgeon Larval Rearing and Feeding Tables: A Technical Guide for Hatchery Production in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems

Introduction

Russian sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii), also called Ossetra, Diamond, or Danube sturgeon, is an important species in hatchery production because it serves both commercial aquaculture for human use as well as conservation-oriented rehabilitation and stock enhancement efforts in parts of its native range (Chebanov and Galich 2013; Chebanov et al. 2011). This dual role increases the need for practical hatchery guidance that is both biologically sound and easy to use in daily operations, especially during the sensitive early-life stages when survival and later performance can be influenced by rearing conditions and feed management (Chebanov and Galich 2013).

The tables assembled in this fact sheet were developed as a comprehensive quick-reference resource for hatchery personnel, students, and aquaculture practitioners working with Russian sturgeon larvae and postlarvae under controlled recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) conditions (Chebanov and Galich 2013; Memiş et al. 2009; Conte et al. 1988). Their purpose is not to replace the underlying manuals and studies, but to provide the most operationally important information in a format that can be consulted quickly during routine hatchery work (Chebanov and Galich 2013; Conte et al. 1988). For users who need greater technical detail, justification, or methodological background, the original source documents cited throughout the tables are provided and should be consulted directly (Chebanov and Galich 2013; Chebanov et al. 2011; Memiş et al. 2009; Conte et al. 1988).

The scope of the tables is intentionally broad because successful Russian sturgeon larviculture depends on the interaction of multiple environmental, biological, and operational factors (Chebanov and Galich 2013; Chebanov et al. 2011). Accordingly, the tables summarize recommended larval rearing environment and system targets, including temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, total hardness, alkalinity, mineral composition, nitrogenous waste limits, salinity, photoperiod, light intensity, tank color, water depth, and flow rates (Chebanov and Galich 2013; Chebanov et al. 2011). These are the core conditions that shape larval growth, behavior, feeding response, physiological stability, and survival during the transition from endogenous nutrition to active feeding (Chebanov and Galich 2013).

The fact sheet also provides stocking-density guidance based on tank bottom surface area rather than water volume alone, which is especially meaningful for Russian sturgeon because larvae and early juveniles are strongly bottom-oriented fish whose rearing performance depends heavily on usable benthic space (Chebanov and Galich 2013; Conte et al. 1988). In addition, the feeding tables combine days posthatch (dph), average size, live-feed progression, microdiet introduction, and feed-transition strategy into a practical culture sequence designed for direct hatchery application (Memiş et al. 2009; Chebanov and Galich 2013). This is very important because Russian sturgeon larval success depends on the correct timing of first feeding, proper feed presentation near the tank bottom, and adjustment of ration and feed type as the fish grow and transition onto formulated diets (Memiş et al. 2009; Conte et al. 1988).

A particular strength of this document is that it integrates information from a number of successful and well-researched hatchery manuals with species-relevant experimental and applied culture observations (Chebanov and Galich 2013; Chebanov et al. 2011; Memiş et al. 2009). The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) sturgeon hatchery publications provide the larger framework for larval rearing, water management, feeding transitions, and release-oriented hatchery considerations, while the work of Memiş and colleagues contributes practical developmental, growth, and feeding benchmarks under Russian sturgeon culture conditions (Chebanov and Galich 2013; Chebanov et al. 2011; Memiş et al. 2009; Kornienko et al. 2020). Conte’s Hatchery Manual for the White Sturgeon also remains valuable because many early-life-stage culture practices are transferable across multiple sturgeon species and their specific hatchery systems, reinforcing practical guidance on tank management, first feeding, and early rearing strategies for Russian sturgeon (Conte et al. 1988).

Combined with the additional referenced materials, these tables are intended to function as a field-ready hatchery reference: broad enough in scope to cover the major components of Russian sturgeon larval and postlarval culture, yet concise enough to support rapid decision-making in day-to-day hatchery use. Information on later life stages and growout for aquaculture or conservation release is beyond the scope of this fact sheet, but is available in the references listed (Chebanov et al. 2011).

Tables

**Table 1. Larval Rearing Expectations Based on RAS System Targets**
Parameter	Recommended target and operating range	Why it matters in larval tanks	Resource Number
First feeding onset	Begin exogenous (from environment) feeding when yolk absorption is nearly complete and fecal melanin plug expelled, about 7.5 d at 21°C, 8 d at 19°C, 9.5 d at 17°C, and about 12 d at 15°C.	Correct timing determines when live feed can begin. Must avoid overfeeding to maintain good water quality.	[2], [3], [4], [5], [9]
Temperature	Hold water near 17°C–19°C during the first-feeding period; avoid abrupt changes in temperature. Increase to 20°C–22°C at 12–18 dph.	Stable temperature supports yolk utilization at feeding onset and reduces refusal of first feeds.	[2], [3], [4], [5], [9]
Dissolved oxygen and aeration	Maintain oxygen >5 ppm with gentle, continuous aeration; avoid dead zones along the bottom.	Larvae aggregate near bottom; oxygen must remain adequate there. Tank depth 30–45 cm best.	[2], [3], [4], [5], [6]
Light regime and intensity	From 0–6 dph, use 12L:12D; change to a regular 16L:8D light to dark photoperiod afterwords. Prelarvae use low light at 2–10 lx; increase to 80–100 lx following first feeding. Avoid intense direct light over larval tanks. At fingerlings, light to <800 lx is possible.	Prelarvae and larvae show strong behavioral responses to light and seek darker bottom and corner areas. Low light may improve bottom feeding. Light intensity measured at water surface.	[2], [4], [5], [7]
Tank interior and hydraulics	Use smooth circular or rectangular larval tanks with calm circulation, low shear, and a clean bottom feeding zone. Prelarvae use 3 L/min; for postlarvae, increase to 10 L/min.	Larvae are benthic; modest waterflow is essential to stimulate feeding; excessive flow reduces bottom-feeding efficiency and increases stress.	[2], [3], [5], [6], [7], [9]
Stocking basis	Calculate density using tank bottom surface area. Practical stocking rates vary. Stock prelarvae or larvae at baseline density of 500 per 0.1 m2 (≈500/sq ft) for both circular and rectangular tanks.	Bottom surface area is better measure of larval space requirements than water volume. Reduce stocking around 20 dph and 35 dph as needed to limit crowding and cannibalism.	[2], [3], [4], [5], [8], [9]
Feed delivery location	Provide Artemia and other first feeds at the tank bottom or along the perimeter; feed in small, frequent portions 4–5 times per day ad libitum. May reduce feeding intervals as needed after transition to microdiet.	Important to sample larvae to confirm feed acceptance and ingestion. Larvae orient strongly to bottom feeding and rely heavily on olfactory cues.	[2], [5], [9], [6]
Sanitation and solids control	Remove dead larvae, debris, and uneaten feed before subsequent meals; keep the bottom visibly clean.	Clean bottoms improve feed detection and reduce water-quality deterioration.	[2], [3], [5], [9]
Transition to microdiet	Introduce sinking microdiet during cofeeding, then reduce live feed gradually as acceptance improves. Microdiet size must reflect mouth gape. Begin at about 300 µm, matching the size of Artemia, then increase particle size as fish grow.	A staged, overlapping transition reduces starvation risk and supports uniform adaptation to artificial feed.	[1], [2], [5], [6], [9]

Note: dph = days posthatch, lx = lux or light intensity. Resource numbers correspond to Table 6.

**Table 2. Recommended Environmental Targets for Larval Production in RAS**
Parameter	Recommended target and operating range	Why it matters in larval tanks	Resource Number
Temperature	17°C–19°C at first feeding; 18°C–22°C acceptable during larval rearing.	First feeding in Russian sturgeon is commonly reached around 8–10 dph at this temperature range. Keep daily swings ≤2°C.	[2], [5], [9]
Dissolved oxygen	5 mg/L or >70% saturation.	Low oxygen tolerance is poor at first feeding; keep concentration stable.	[2], [5], [8], [10]
pH	6.5–8.0. Should be stable.	Use well-buffered water, especially after feeding live or inert feeds.	[10]
Total hardness	50–400 mg/L as CaCO₃; target ~100–200 mg/L	Use moderately hard, buffered freshwater rather than very soft water.	[10]
Alkalinity	100–400 mg/L as CaCO₃.	Supports pH stability as a buffering agent.	[10]
Mineral composition	Freshwater containing both calcium and magnesium; not demineralized water.	No specific ideal Ca:Mg ratio; target buffered water with both Ca and Mg present.	[10]
Nitrogen limits	NH₃ <0.01 mg/L as N; NH₄+ ≤0.05 mg/L; NO₂ <0.1 mg/L as N; NO₃ <100 mg/L.	Larvae are sensitive to various chronic sublethal nitrogen compounds.	[10]
Salinity	0–0.5 ppt for routine hatchery larviculture.	Optional 1–2 ppt sometimes used for ongrowing as advanced fingerlings. Not a standard commercial requirement.	[2], [5], [8]
Photoperiod	At 0–6 dph, use 12L:12D; change to 16L:8D at 7 dph+; best to include 15-min transitions at dawn and dusk, if possible.	During larval and post larval development, as light periods increase, it’s important to maintain low light intensity <100–300 lx.	[2], [5], [7]
Light at water surface	At 0–6 dph use 2–10 lx; increase 7–10 dph to 80–100 lx; after 10 dph, keep larvae <100 lx.	For Russian sturgeon prelarvae, adjust light intensity at each L:D phase as: <100 lx light, 10 lx dim, <1 lx dark. Avoid sudden light transitions from light to dark, with slow dimming on and off to mimic dawn and dusk. This will lessen stress response.	[2], [5], [7]
Tank color	At 8 dph (first feeding) use generally “dark” colors, with green, blue, or grey interior surfaces good; avoid white. Black is hard to see bottom feed waste.	This is specifically recommended for sturgeon larvae when feeding in hatchery tanks.	[2], [5], [9]
Water depth	20–50 cm from 0–10 dph; can increase depth later as fish gain swimming ability.	The FAO prelarval norm is 20 cm; shallower water can help with live feeding efficiency.	[2], [5], [9]
Water flow	8–9 L/min early; increase as biomass and feeding increases.	One Russian sturgeon study used 5 L/min in larval tanks; FAO prelarval norm is 8-9 L/min.	[2], [5], [8]
Stocking density (after hatching)	Prelarvae 500/0.1 m² (≈500/sq ft) changes to 250/0.1 m² (≈250/sq ft) after exogenous feeding begins, about 8 dph.	These are FAO and U.S. tray or tank averages converted from m² values at tank depths ranging 30–50 cm.	[2], [5], [1]
Best 3 Artemia enrichments	1) DHA-rich HUFA enrichment. 2) Arthrospira or Spirulina enrichment. 3) Probiotic bioencapsulation.	DHA and other PUFA or HUFA enrichment is the most established; the Arthrospira result is from a recent study specific to Russian sturgeon.	[1], [6]

Note: dph = days posthatch, ppt = parts per trillion, lx = lux or light intensity, L:D = light:dark ratio, FAO = Food and Agriculture Organization, HUFA = highly unsaturated fatty acids, PUFA = polyunsaturated fatty acids. Resource numbers correspond to Table 6.

**Table 3. Practical Stocking Schedule for Russian Sturgeon Larvae Reared in RAS Tanks**
Stage	Collated larvae ranges (dph)	Size range (g)	Stocking density (fish/m²)	Stocking density (Fish/sq ft)	Resource Number
Prelarvae (Yolk-sac stage before first feeding)	0–8	0.013–0.023	5,000	≈500	[2], [5], [9]
Larvae at first feeding^[a]	8–11	~0.03–0.04	~2,500 ^[c]	≈250	[2], [5], [9]
Early larvae	12–16	0.04–0.07	2,500	232	[2], [5], [9]
Larvae and postlarvae	15–30	0.07–0.5	2,000	186	[2], [5], [9]
Postlarvae	31–35	0.6–1.0	1,500	139	[2], [5], [9]
Early fry^[b]	36–56	1.1–3.0	1,000–500	93–46	[2], [5], [9]
Late fry ^[b]	57–75	3.1–5.0	400	37	[2], [5], [9]
Fingerlings or juveniles ^[b]	75+	5.1–30.0	300–150	28–14	[2], [5]

Sources: Collated larvae ranges (dph) are based on growth stages originating from multiple references; the 0.07–0.5 g, 0.6–1.0 g, 1.1–3.0 g, and 3.1–5.0 g rows were refined using interpolated growth points from FAO Table 37 and Memiş et al. (2009).^[a] The “larvae at first feeding” row uses an interpolated weight of about 0.03–0.04 g from Memiş et al. (2009) based on 7 dph = 0.023 g and 14 dph = 0.055 g. ^[b] For the fry rows, interpolation from FAO Table 37 and Memiş et al. (2009) adjusts to about 36–56 dph for 1.1–3.0 g and about 57–75 dph for 3.1–5.0 g; reported other anchor points include 35 d = 1.0 g, 41 d = 1.18 g, 45 d = 2.5 g, and 75 d = 5.25 g.

Notes: Russian sturgeon larvae begin shifting to benthic feeding at about 8 dph, when exogenous feeding begins. Tank bottom surface area becomes important for determining stocking density because the larvae increasingly occupy and feed along the tank bottom. Table 3 provides a practical range of stocking densities expressed as larvae per sq ft and m2 of bottom area calculated using length × width only.^[c]These ranges were derived from multiple references that used different methods, including volumetric stocking rates, mean larval weights at different dph, and different water depths and tank shapes (see Table 6). These rates may be increased to match water quality conditions and fish performance. Tanks used only for egg incubation or later juvenile growout were excluded. Resource numbers correspond to Table 6.

**Table 4. Bottom-Area Examples from Cited Sources**
Tank example	Bottom dimensions only (m²)	Bottom area (m²)	Bottom area (sq ft)	Resource number
Prelarval tank or tray	2–4 reported directly	2–4	21.5–43.1	[2], [5]
Rectangular larval tank	2.9 × 0.6	1.74	18.7	[9]
Incubation plate	0.65 × 0.40	0.26	2.80	[9]

Note: Resource numbers correspond to Table 6.

Table 5. Practical Feeding Schedule for Russian Sturgeon Larvae Reared in RAS Tanks at 18°C–22°C
Stage	Days post-hatch (dph)	Avg. length (mm)	Avg. weight (mg)	Main feed phase	*Artemia* (per mL); feed size (mm)	Feedings per day	Live-feed rate (% BW/day)	Feed rate (% BW/day)	Key notes
Yolk sac (Prelarvae)	0–8	10 (at 1 dph)	18 (at 1 dph)	Yolk sac and endogenous^[a] feeding	0; NA	0	0	0	No external feed; monitor for onset of exogenous feeding.
First feeding (Postlarvae)	8–11	18–23	40–46	Artemia nauplii via exogenous ^[b] feeding	1–4; NA	10	0	0	Bottom and perimeter feeding; first practical live-feed stage.
Early transition	12–16	15 (at 14 dph)	55 (at 14 dph)	Artemia + minced Tubifex	2–4; 0.2 ^[c]	8	Artemia ~60; Tubifex ~30	0	Small, frequent portions; remove uneaten feeds promptly.
Cofeeding	17–18	15–20	55–95	Artemia + microdiet	2–4; 0.4 ^[c]	5	Live feeds continue	10–15	Bridge stage; artificial feed introduced while live feeds continue. Continue adjusting feed rate to limit waste and water fouling.
Weaning	19–32	20 (at 22 dph)	95 (at 22 dph)	Tubifex + microdiet	0; 0.4–0.6 ^[c]	5	Tubifex ~30	10	Main transition period; digestion about 5–6 h in larvae.
Late weaning	33–41	55 (at 41 dph)	1,180 (at 41 dph)	Commercial microdiet only	0; 0.6–0.8 ^[c] and increase as needed	4	0	5	Metamorphosis complete; use sinking starter feed; grade if size diverges to avoid cannibalism.
Ongrowing	42–75	120 (at 75 dph)	5,250 (at 75 dph)	Starter or sinking commercial diet	0; 1.0–1.3, ^[c] increase to match fish size	4	0	4–5	Adjust pellet size and feed rate gradually; maintain feed on tank bottom.

Sources: Nathanailides et al. 2002; Memiş et al. 2009; Aller Aqua n.d.

Notes: BW = body weight, NA = not applicable. Length and weight benchmarks are anchor points from the source tables; intermediate values are practical stage markers for hatchery use. ^[a]Endogenous feeding refers to the period when the larvae obtain all of it’s nutrition from the yolk reserve, internally, near the gut. ^[b]Exogenous feeding refers to the period when fry begin feeding on foods in the environment, such as Artemia and later to dry diets.^[c] Feed size recommendations from Aller Aqua

**Table 6. References and Supporting Notes**
Resource Number	Resource	Why it was included
[1]	Ak, “Effects of Size Grading on Growth Performance, Survival Rate, and Cannibalism in Russian Sturgeon Larvae.” 47–52.	Recent Russian sturgeon larval culture paper used for current hatchery context and microdiet management protocol.
[2]	Chebanov and Galich, Sturgeon Hatchery Manual.	Primary FAO hatchery reference: First-feeding timing, bottom-feeding behavior, Russian sturgeon larval density baseline and other criteria
[3]	Chebanov et al., Sturgeon Hatchery Practices and Management for Release—Guidelines.	Supporting FAO production guidance paper 558 for hatchery management and release-oriented larval and fry handling. Used for Artemia feeding density of 2–4 Artemia/mL culture water and guidance to enrich live feeds.
[4]	Conte et al., Hatchery Manual for the White Sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus Richardson): With Application to Other North American Acipenseridae.	Excellent overall resource on numerous sturgeon species. Includes clear descriptions of larval development, need for live feeds and discussion on hatchery set-up.
[5]	Gessner et al., Technical Guidelines for Ex Situ Conservation Measures in Sturgeons.	This 2025 text is an update to FAO manuals No. 558 and 570, which are also used here.
[6]	Kamaszewski et al., “Effects of Artemia sp. Enrichment with Essential Fatty Acids on Functional and Morphological Aspects of the Digestive System in Acipenser gueldenstaedtii Larvae.”	Discussion on impact feeding enriched Artemia to Russian sturgeon larvae. Feeding EFA-enriched Artemia had a beneficial effect on both the physiology and morphology of the digestive system.
[7]	Kim et al., “Behavioral Modifications in Response to Light Intensity in Russian Sturgeon Prelarvae.” 4	Useful example of early prelarval behavior, phototaxis, and bottom/corner accumulation in hatchery tanks.
[8]	Kornienko and Olifirenko, ”Dynamics of Growing of Russian Sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii) Larvae for Different Durations of Cultivation.” 438–43.	After 20 dph, larval size becomes more variable. Larger larvae begin to outcompete smaller individuals for feed. Cannibalism results, reducing survival. At this time, grading to separate larger from smaller larvae, and stocking each into different tanks, will improve survival and promote more uniform growth.
[9]	Memiş et al. “Growth and Survival Rate of Russian Sturgeon Larvae from Fertilized Eggs to Artificial Feeding.” 47–52.	Core Russian sturgeon larval feeding schedule, tank dimensions, and stage-specific stocking rates.
[10]	Nathanailides et al. “Hatching Time and Post-hatch Growth in Russian Sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii).” 651–54.	Anchor source for early post-hatch growth timing. Cited widely in later Russian sturgeon hatchery studies.

Note: Only sources relevant to Russian Sturgeon larvae were used for hatchery staging, larval tank design, or bottom-feeding strategies. Resource numbers correspond to the order in which sources are first cited in the article. Full bibliographic information is provided in the Resources.

References

Ak, K. 2023. “Effects of Size Grading on Growth Performance, Survival Rate, and Cannibalism in Russian Sturgeon Larvae under Small-Scale Hatchery Conditions.” Aquatic Sciences and Engineering 38, no. 1: 47–52. ↲

Aller Aqua. “Sturgeon.” Aller Aqua. Accessed October 3, 2026. ↲

Chebanov, M. S., and E. V. Galich. 2013. Sturgeon Hatchery Manual. FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Technical Paper 558. Ankara: FAO. ↲

Chebanov, M. S., H. Rosenthal, J. Gessner, R. Van Anrooy, P. Doukakis, M. Pourkazemi, and P. Williot. 2011. Sturgeon Hatchery Practices and Management for Release—Guidelines. FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Technical Paper 570. Rome: FAO. ↲

Conte, F. S., S. I. Doroshov, P. B. Lutes, and E. M. Strange. 1988. Hatchery Manual for the White Sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus Richardson): With Application to Other North American Acipenseridae. University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Cooperative Extension. Publication 3322. ↲

Gessner, J., J. A Crossman, J. P. Van Eenennaam, M. A. H. Webb, T. Friedrich, M. L. Acolas, R. Reinartz, and L. Congiu. 2025. Technical Guidelines for EX SITU Conservation Measures in Sturgeons: Support Document for the Implementation of the Pan-European Action Plan for Sturgeons. European Commission, Directorate-General for Environment. EC Service Contract 09.0201/2022/885601/SER/D.3

Kamaszewski, M., T. Ostaszewska, M. Prusińska, R. Kolman, M. Chojnacki, J. Zabytyvskij, B. Jankowska, and R. Kasprzak. 2014. “Effects of Artemia sp. Enrichment with Essential Fatty Acids on Functional and Morphological Aspects of the Digestive System in Acipenser gueldenstaedtii Larvae.” Turkish Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 14: 929–938.

Kim, E. J., C. Park, and Y. K. Nam. 2019. “Ontogenetic Behavior of Farm-Bred Russian Sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii) Prelarvae in a Diel Photoperiodic Cycle: Behavioral Modifications in Response to Light Intensity.” Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 22: 4.

Kornienko V. O. and V. V. Olifirenko. 2020. ”Dynamics of Growing of Russian Sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii) Larvae for Different Durations of Cultivation.” Regulatory Mechanisms in Biosystems 11, no. 3: 438–43. ↲

Memiş, D., M. S. Ercan, M. Ceklikkale, M. Timur, and Z. Zarkua. 2009. “Growth and Survival Rate of Russian Sturgeon Larvae from Fertilized Eggs to Artificial Feeding.” Turkish Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 9: 47–52. ↲

Nathanailides, C., M. Tsoumani, A. Papazoglou, and I. Paschos. 2002. “Hatching Time and Post-hatch Growth in Russian Sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii).” Journal of Applied Ichthyology 18: 651–54. ↲

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Russian Sturgeon Larval Rearing and Feeding Tables: A Technical Guide for Hatchery Production in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems

Introduction

Tables

References

Authors

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