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Abstract
The effects of two pectoral fin ray sampling methods on swimming performance were evaluated for hatchery-reared white sturgeon and Siberian sturgeon. Fish were subjected to either a notch removal or a full removal of the pectoral fin ray whereas control fish were subjected to a sham operation. Mean relative growth in fork length (F = 1.30; df = 2, 27; P = 0.29) and weight (F = 0.38; df = 2, 27; P = 0.69) were not significantly different among treatments white sturgeon. Mean 10-min critical-station holding speeds (CSHS) was not significantly different among treatments for white (F = 1.58; df = 2, 44; P = 0.22) or Siberian sturgeon (F = 0.55; df = 2, 42; P = 0.58). Analysis of variance indicates that there were no treatment effects on the CSHS and survival and growth of white sturgeon. Survival and growth was not evaluated for Siberian sturgeon.