The effect of water velocity on feeding efficiency of juvenile Chinese sturgeon, Acipenser sinensis

The effect of water velocity on feeding of benthic cruising foragers, like sturgeons, is poorly understood. Using an artificial endless stream, we conducted experiments with wild juvenile Chinese Sturgeon, Acipenser sinensis, to test the hypothesis that water current speed affects juvenile feeding efficiency on the Barcheek Goby, Rhinogobius giurinus, a common wild prey. Feeding consumption (F-c) of juveniles was positively related to water current speed (current speed in cm(-1): mean F-c value) follow: 0: 2.33; 11:7.33; 31: 10.67; and 41: 13.7. Thus, current speed had a significant effect on foraging efficiency by sturgeon. The results indicate foraging by wild A.sinensis juveniles on gobies occurs mostly during flood and neap tidal flows when current velocities are fastest.