Correlations between egg size and dependent variables related to larval stage in Persian sturgeon Acipenser persicus

This study examined the correlation between egg size and a number of variables in the subsequent larval stages of the Persian sturgeon Acipenser persicus. Nineteen female sturgeons were fertilized and the eggs were harvested. The results showed that there were positive, significant correlations (p < 0.05) between egg size and several dependent variables including larval weight and duration of hatching time as well as the volume of the yolk sac and the hatching time. The weight of larvae at 2, 4, 6 and 8 days post hatching showed positive and significant correlation (p < 0.05) with egg size. Total length of larvae at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 days post hatching had significant correlation (p < 0.05) with egg size in all cases. During yolk sac absorption at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 days after hatching correlations gradually decreased. There was no significant correlation between egg size and mortality during the yolk sac absorption period (r = -0.24, p = 0.314) or the first feeding stage (r = -0.05, p = 0.840).