Effect of different stocking densities on hematological parameters and growth performance of great sturgeon (Huso huso)

A 5 weeks study was conducted to determine the effects of different stocking density on hematological parameters of great sturgeon. Fish were cultured in duplicates of fiberglass tanks under stocking densities of 50, 75, 100 and 125 fish/m3 as T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively. Based on the results significant increase (p<0.05) in total body weight and total length were related to low density group. The lowest mean body weight (103.26 gr) and length (29.65 cm) were recorded in T4. At the end of experiment, Results of hematological analyses showed changes in the stocking density had non-significant impact on values of WBC and mean corpuscle hemoglobin (MCH) (p>0.05). The highest mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) was also recorded in T4. The highest level of hemoglobin, hematocrit (7.25 g dl-1 and 22.2%) were significantly associated with T1 (p<0.05). The findings suggested that the haematological parameters and growth performance are considered as a benefactor for indicating stress in fish due to different physical or chemical parameters.