A test of time-place learning in single and grouped great sturgeon Huso huso

摘要

Although there exists a large body of knowledge on the ecology, physiology, and nutrition of great sturgeon, time-place learning has thus far not been examined in this species and other sturgeons. The aim of the present study is to evaluate whether individual or grouped juvenile great sturgeons are able to associate time and place of food delivery when examined under light and dark conditions. During a 30-day period, food was made available to the sturgeons twice a day or twice a night, in the first time in one side of the tank and in the second time in the opposite side of the tank. Food was withheld on test days to assess time-place learning by the fish. The results of the present study indicate that, at both the group and individual levels, great sturgeons are not able to clearly demonstrate time-place learning under the conditions examined.