Physical characteristics of pallid sturgeon and shovelnose sturgeon eggs
Dates
Publication Date
2020-04-06
Start Date
2014-05-01
End Date
2015-06-30
Citation
Chojnacki, K.A., 2019, Physical characteristics of pallid sturgeon and shovelnose sturgeon eggs: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P9F9DB0Z.
Summary
This dataset describes the diameter, shape, settling velocity, and specific gravity of eggs from 9 female pallid sturgeon and 14 female shovelnose sturgeon as determined in laboratory studies. Pallid sturgeon and shovelnose sturgeon are believed to broadcast demersal eggs in the current, near the river bed over coarse substrate. It is hypothesized that eggs settle immediately following fertilization, but field conditions preclude direct observation. The dispersal of sturgeon eggs is affected by physical properties of the eggs and hydraulic conditions at the spawning location.
Summary
This dataset describes the diameter, shape, settling velocity, and specific gravity of eggs from 9 female pallid sturgeon and 14 female shovelnose sturgeon as determined in laboratory studies. Pallid sturgeon and shovelnose sturgeon are believed to broadcast demersal eggs in the current, near the river bed over coarse substrate. It is hypothesized that eggs settle immediately following fertilization, but field conditions preclude direct observation. The dispersal of sturgeon eggs is affected by physical properties of the eggs and hydraulic conditions at the spawning location.
These data were collected as part of a study to document the characteristics (size, settling velocity, and specific gravity) of pallid sturgeon and shovelnose sturgeon eggs, then model the potential fate of pallid sturgeon eggs by considering the physical properties in the context of two field sites where documented spawning has occurred. Modeling downstream transport and dispersal of sturgeon eggs at spawning sites has the potential to improve understanding of the role of spawning constraints in recruitment failure and the conditions required at successful spawning events and locations. This information is relevant to informing management decisions, including design criteria for construction of artificial spawning habitats.
