Abstract: Research has so far intensively focussed on controlled propagation,habitat ecology, diseases and nutrition (Kynard et al.,1995; Wei et al., 1998; Zhang et al., 1999; Qi-wei, 2002), and some research has been done on the developmental aspects of Acipenser sinensis (Da-chun et al., 1986; Liu et al., 1999; Xi-hua et al., 2004). Some studies have focussed on photoreceptor cells and visual pigments in young and adult specimens of A. baerii (Govardovskii et al., 1991), A. transmontanus(Sillman et al., 1990; Loew and Sillman, 1993), A. gueldenstaedtii and A. stellatus (Baburina,1956). Research has been on the age-related changes of eye morphology and retina structure during the early development stages of the Chinese sturgeons (Yi et al., 2006). Based on the conclusion, we focused on the structure of pit organs in more detail with microscopy and their behaviour response properties to iron powder, pontil and vitreous stick during early ontogeny. These findings will have practical implications as to the importance of morphological and behavioural cues in adjusting culture techniques and for designing habitats for juveniles at artificial habitats prepared for release and enhancement.The purpose of this study wasto document the development of the pit organ structure and morphology during early ontogeny of this species, and relate the findings to the behaviour of early ontogenetic stages. Changes of quantity and quality in the pit organs are considered is being adaptive to their feeding requirements, and co-inciding with the ecological shift from surface to benthic habitats.


附件下载：L.X.Li, Y.Chai, Q.W.Wei, et al. Development of pit organs and behaviour during early ontogeny of the Chinese sturgeon (Acipenser sinensis).J.Appl. Ichthyol. 2011, 27: 690-692. pdf