[Variation in morphometric and genetic characteristics of stellate sturgeon juveniles raised at different densities]

Genetic and size/weight characteristics of stellate sturgeon juveniles were examined under standard and twice lower than standard densities. Viability, growth rate, and variability of juveniles were higher at standard density. Individuals with different genotypes exhibited higher viability and faster growth at different densities, which was particularly pronounced in case of the PGM1 locus. Despite the high phenotypic variability of sturgeon juveniles under standard conditions, its genetic component was higher at low density. It was concluded that low density conditions, which are closer to the natural ones, mediate maintenance of genetic variability.