Endurance swimming performance and physiology of juvenile sturgeon at different temperatures, 2022-2024

Endurance swimming trials were conducted on both Green Sturgeon (Acipenser medirostris) and White Sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) across multiple size classes to assess the effects of temperature and velocity on swimming performance. Fish were exposed to various water temperatures for at least 14 days and swam at fixed-water velocities (cm/s) in controlled swim tunnels. Data were collected on parameters such as species, size class, trial temperature, velocity, recovery time, time-to-fatigue, swim type classifications, and whether the trials were completed. Additional metadata included fish morphometrics such as fork length, total length, weight, and trial dates, enabling comparisons across species, size, and treatment conditions.
Physiological responses were measured post-swimming to evaluate the impacts of endurance trials on the smallest size class of Green Sturgeon (5cm fork length):
- In 2022, whole-body cortisol, glucose, and lactate concentrations were measured immediately following endurance trials (0 min recovery).
- In 2023, recovery dynamics were incorporated, with physiological responses assessed at multiple time points (0 min, 15 min, 30 min, and 60 min post-trial).
- In 2022 and 2023 the baseline physiological metrics (whole-body cortisol, glucose, and lactate concentrations) of control fish (not subjected to swimming trials) were measured across all temperatures, years, species, and size classes.
This dataset provides information on sturgeon swimming performance under varied temperature conditions, as well as the associated physiological stress responses, offering valuable insights into their endurance capabilities and recovery processes. The findings can inform conservation strategies, habitat management, and aquaculture practices for these ecologically and economically important species.