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This study investigates the effect of gutting on quality characteristics of Urechis unicinctus, stored in ice and at chill temperature (4℃), in terms of sensory assessment, total volatile basic nitrogen, biogenic amines and microbial changes. The gutted and ungutted groups were kept in ice (T1-gutted, T2-ungutted) and at chill (4℃) temperature (T3-gutted, T4-ungutted). The study revealed that gutting worsened the sensory quality (as indicated by hardness, cohesiveness, springiness and chewiness) of all samples and that samples kept at 4°C scored lower than those kept in ice. Total Volatile Basic Nitrogen registered the highest values in gutted samples, exceeding the acceptable limit after 1 day for the T3, and 12 days for T1 samples, respectively. For ungutted samples the threshold value of 30 mg/L has been exceeded after 4 days for T4, and 14 days for T2 samples. In the present study, eight biogenic amines were analyzed; tryptamine and histamine were not detected all the time. The total concentration of biogenic amines in gutted U. unicinctus was significantly higher in comparison with ungutted groups starting from the 8th day, for samples stored in ice, and from the 3rd day for samples kept at 4℃ (p < 0.05). However, the concentration of biogenic amines did not reach the allowable limit, even the samples were unacceptable due to high values of total viable count. Therefore, limits of biogenic amines available for fish are not suitable for U. unicinctus. Sensory scores were significantly correlated with Total Volatile Basic Nitrogen and Total Viable Count in all four groups (p < 0.05). Combined results of this study indicated that shelf life of T1, T2, T3 and T4 were 6, 7, 1 and 4 days, respectively. Gutting had a little effect on the storage of U. unicinctus stored in ice, but obviously shortened the shelf life of samples when stored at 4℃. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the protein level from fish feed on the growth dynamics, hematological profile, and meat biochemical composition of juvenile European catfish, Silurus glanis (Linnaeus, 1758). In this context, 508 juvenile European catfish, with an average weight of 33±1.80 g/fish, were reared in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). Fish were fed with two different proteins: VE 41- fish feed with 41% protein content, and VE 50- fish feed with 50% protein content. After 35 days, the results regarding the growth performance revealed a better feed conversion ratio (FCR-1.03 g/g) and specific growth rate (SGR - 2.02 %/day) in the VE50P. Also, fish meat's hematological profile and biochemical composition showed a similar trend. In conclusion, the fed protein content plays an essential role in the digestibility and efficiency of nutrient utilization, on the welfare and nutritional quality of the final product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the effect of light intensity on the growth performance, hematological profile, and biochemical composition of muscle tissue of paddlefish juveniles, reared in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). Two experimental variants were created: V1- where the rearing units have green color, and the average of the light intensity was 105 lx (mean fish weight was 21.65 ± 0.6 g), and V2- where the rearing units have white color, and the average of the light intensity was 30 lx (mean fish weight was 22.15 ± 0.8 g). Fish were fed at an intensity of 2.5% BW for 48 days. Growth of juvenile paddlefish under 30 lx was significantly better than that of paddlefish under 105 lx (p < 0.05), as indicated by final weight (1158.20 ± 21.90 g), specific growth rate (2.18% ± 0.07%/day) and feed conversion coefficient (0.80 ± 0.28 g/g). In conclusion, the paddlefish juveniles can adapt to various light intensities and grow favorably under low light conditions in a recirculating aquaculture system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ecosystems of the Danube River basin exhibit remarkable biodiversity, housing over 2,000 plant species and more than 5,000 animal species. This places the Danube among Europe's most valuable rivers in terms of aquatic life diversity, with a total of 103 identified species. The Danube is increasingly affected by climate change, impacting the hydrologic cycle and the availability of food and water resources. The effects of climate change are already observable and projected to intensify, notably in increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as heatwaves, drought periods, and floods. In this paper, we aim to present the impact of climate change on economically valuable fish within the Danube River. We have determined the abundance of these species and analyzed the correlation between recorded temperatures and the river's water level. Given the Danube's unique variety of species, we will highlight the importance of protecting and conserving this valuable ecosystem amidst the escalating climate threats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the current investigation was to assess the hepatoprotective capabilities of two algal species, Ulva lactuca and Spirulina platensis, in carp (Cyprinus carpio) fingerlings subjected to imazalil exposure. Consequently, the experimental groups were simultaneously exposed to the fungicide (5mg/kg feed) and provided with feed containing either Ulva lactuca alone (IMZ-Uv variants - 5 g/kg ulva), Spirulina platensis alone (IMZ-Sp variants - 5 g/kg spirulina), or a combination of both algae (IMZ-Uv-Sp variants - 2.5 g/kg ulva and 2.5 g/kg spirulina). Two control variants were employed in the experiments: a negative control receiving normal feed and a positive control receiving feed with 5mg/kg imazalil. Each variant involved 15 fish per tank, and after the experiment, five fish from each tank were utilized for biological samples. The assessment of biochemical serum parameters and oxidative stress markers for each specimen revealed that imazalil induced alterations in biochemical parameters, resulting in physiological dysfunctions in carp. However, the administration of algae, in particular Spirulina platensis, demonstrated significant potential in mitigating the adverse effects of imazalil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biochemical analysis of fish tissue is considered a dependable indicator of the fish's quality, nutritional content, physiological condition, and environmental habitat. Alosa immaculata (Bennett, 1835) is a migratory fish species with great ecological and economic importance, which undergoes a remarkable journey during its migration. As A. immaculata embarks on its migration, the dynamic biochemical changes in its meat composition offer valuable information that contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the species' adaptation to the challenges posed by migration. In this context, this study aimed to investigate the meat biochemistry of Pontic Shad during the period of migration from three different points: Station 1 - Saint Gheorghe Branch, Station 2 - Sulina Branch, and Station 3 - Brăila, km 169 and km 197 of the Danube River. Significant differences (p<0.05) were recorded in the level of water, lipid, and ash, while no differences were recorded in the level of proteins (p>0.05). Notably, the lipid content in the meat samples from the Sulina exhibited the highest percentage, while the protein content in the samples from the St. Gheorghe arm surpassed that of the Sulina and Brăila, indicating differences in nutritional profiles that could be attributed to physiological adaptations during migration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most of the human interaction with nature affects ecosystems, influencing human life quality. The aquaculture industry plays a pivotal role in global food security, but its growth poses multifaceted challenges to environmental conservation, urging the implementation of sustainable measures to safeguard aquatic ecosystems. In this context, Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) have emerged as a pioneering approach to incentivize and ensure sustainable practices within the aquaculture sector. This study emphasizes the fundamental role of PES, it highlights its substantial impact in ameliorating environmental repercussions, conserving biodiversity, and enhancing water quality within aquacultural zones. The study underscores the importance of collaborative efforts among stakeholders and advocates for effective monitoring systems to reinforce the efficacy of PES initiatives in fostering sustainable aquaculture practices. By centering on Romania's aquacultural context, this paper provides crucial insights into the implementation of PES within diverse socio-economic and environmental landscapes, contributing pertinent perspectives to the overarching discourse on sustainable aquaculture practices worldwide for a safe future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common carp and Prussian carp are two of the main exploited freshwater fish from the Danube Delta, that's why obtaining information regarding the stock assessment has great importance for population structure. Our study aimed to investigate the parameters of growth and mortality among these populations. From the result of our study, the correlation between length and weight was W = 0.04xLt2.70 for common carp and W = 0.10xLt2.47 for Prussian carp. The calculated parameters for mortality were: total mortality (Z) was 1.74 for Common carp and 2.29 for Prussian carp, the natural (M) was 0.82 for Common carp, respectively 1.03 for Prussian carp, while the rate of exploitation reached a value of 0.53 for common carp and 0.55 for Prussian carp. In conclusion, the study analysed mortality due to natural causes, fishing, and overfishing and concluded that both species are currently being overexploited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships between total length and weight (L - W), to estimate the growth parameters (von Bertalanffy) L∞, k, and the mortality rates (Z, M, F) for the common carp (Cyprinus carpio, Linneaus, 1758) and Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio, Bloch, 1782). Sampling was carried out monthly, from March to September 2021. The relationship between length - weight (L - W) in the study period for common carp was W=0.0574×Lt2.6437, respectively W=0.0391× Lt2.7831 for Prussian carp. The growth parameters for common carp were L∞=86.10 cm and K = 0.87 per year, respectively L∞= 40.95 cm and K 0.67 per year, for Prussian carp. The total (Z), natural (M) and fishing (F) mortality rates were 1.47, 0.82 and 0.65 per year, for common carp, respectively Z=1.65, M=0.85 and F=0.80 for Prussian carp. Regarding the exploitation rate (E) this was 0.44 for the common carp population, respectively 0.48 for Prussian carp, suggesting that both fish population were not in over-exploited condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growth performance and survival rates of backcrossed hybrids of bester females × beluga males were assessed after 28 days of rearing. Hybrid larvae were obtained in the conditions of the reproduction station from the Horia branch of Danube Research Consulting SRL. Three experimental groups were created, corresponding to three classes of sizes: V1-the initial weight of 3.2-5.2 g, V2-initial weight of 1.4-2.5 g, and V3-the initial weight of 0.7-1.4 g. To minimize the effects induced by the increase of the degree of heterogeneity among the fish, after 20 days the fish biomass was divided into two classes of sizes: VA: 25.8 - 32.8 g, respectively VB: 7.3 - 16.8 g. The obtained results showed better values of the individual weight gain in V1 compared to V2 and V3, while at the second stage of the experimental period, the values of the individual growth gain for each of the two experimental variants (VA, VB) were almost similar. Due to the high growth performance, as well as the good survival rate obtained in the two stages of the hybrid rearing, the crossing of these two species can be recommended for commercial fish producers for maximum yield and higher profit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of additives used in tilapia feed and represented by TechnoMos® prebiotic (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and BetaPlus® probiotic (Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis) on the growth and biochemical composition of biological material. The analysis of the results obtained on the principal growth indicators shows a positive correlation between the applied feeding regime and the biomass gain. In the first experimental stage, there was an upward trend of biomass gain depending on the feeding regime applied, obtaining values between 1439 ± 18.29 g in the control variant (V0) and 1774.61 ± 47.65 g in the experimental variant with synbiotic (V3). In the second experimental stage, the biomass gain obtained varied from 3286 ± 15.05 g in the control variant to 4078.52 ± 69.84 g in the synbiotic variant. Biochemical analysis of tilapia muscle tissue showed an increase in the content of proteins, lipids in biomass of the samples fed with the probiotic Betaplus® correlated with the increase in biomass weight, compared to the control variant. In conclusion, the analysis of growth indicators shows the beneficial effect of symbiotic variant through their synergistic action and the influence of probiotic applied on improving biomass gain and biochemical composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment aimed to compare the growth and development of two aromatic herbs, thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and basil (Ocimum basilicum var Aristotle) in an aquaponic system with Carassius auratus, versus a hydroponic system. The experiment took place at the pilot system from University Dunărea de Jos, Galați, Faculty of Food Science and Engineering. The system consists of six rearing units for fish and twelve units for plants (filled with substrate light expanded clay aggregate L.E.C.A.), led lamps for plants with purple light (36 W), biological and mechanical filters, and pumps for water recirculation. Three rearing units were populated with Carassius auratus at a stocking density of 20.93± 0.11 kg m-3 and the other three were left without fish. For the hydroponic treatment, a nutritive solution was added daily to support plant growth. Plants units were populated with seedlings of thyme and basil. The physico-chemical parameters of water were measured twice per week during the trial. At the end of the trial, the fresh weight of the plants was measured, and it was concluded that the productivity of the plants was higher in the aquaponics units comparing the hydroponic units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish represent a good source of animal protein which contains all the essential amino acids. Also, fish meat is an important source of valuable lipids, micronutrients, vitamins, and minerals with several benefits for human health. In this context, the biochemical composition of common carp (Cyprinus carpio), white bream (Blicca bjoerkna), barbel (Barbus barbus), asp (Aspius aspius), common bream (Abramis brama), ide (Leuciscus idus), Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio), European perch (Perca fluviatilis), and Pontic shad (Alosa immaculata) from the Danube River was studied to evaluate their nutritional value. Fish were captured in the year 2020, during the spring season (march-may), between km 169 of the river (Brăila) and km 197 of the Danube River (Gropeni). Fish samples were analyzed for water, protein, fat, moisture and ash, at the Nutrition Laboratory of Faculty of Food Science, University Dunărea de Jos, from Galați. From the obtained results we can conclude that the analyzed fish meat of some species from the Danube River represents a valuable source the consumers healthy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of the commercial probiotic Betaplus®Ultra on the haematological profile (red blood cell (RBC) counts, haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, haematocrit (PCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), glucose and total proteins) and immune response of young of the year Acipenser stellatus. In this sense, a 93-day experiment was carried out with six experimental variants (five different probiotic concentrations: C1 - 1-1.28×1013 CFU, C2 - 2.56 ×1013 CFU, C3 - 3.84×1013 CFU, C4 - 5.12×1013 CFU, C5 - 6.4×1013 CFU and C0 - control group). All the trials were performed in duplicates. Based on our results, no significant differences (p>0.05) were observed in the values of RBC, PCV, MCV and MCHC, while significant differences (p=0.05) were registered in the case of Hb and MCH. Regarding the immune response, no significant differences were registered in the values of leukocytes, lymphocytes neutrophils, monocytes and eosinophils (p=0.05) and only, thrombocytes and basophiles were significantly influenced (p=0.05) by the probiotic concentration. The results suggest that the probiotic Betaplus®Ultra could be used effectively as a probiotic for the use in aquaculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alosa immaculata represents one of the most appreciated fish, mainly due to the high nutritive quality of meat. This study aimed to investigate the age, structure, growth and mortality parameters for Pontic shad population in the Romanian sector of the Danube River (km 169-km 197). Sampling was carried out from March to June 2020 during the migration season. According to the age, distribution varied from 2 to 7 years, being dominated by 4-year-old fish. Using the ELEFAN program in the FiSAT II computer package, the growth parameters based on length-frequency analysis were: FL8=43.05, and K=0.51 year-1. The length-weight relationship (L - W) was W = 0.069 × L2.400 (R² = 0.77). Total mortality (Z) had a value of 2.32, while the natural mortality (M) was 0.77 year-1 at an annual average temperature of 14.52°C. The fishing mortality was computed as F = Z - M and had a value of 1.55 year-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish parasites represent a major part of aquatic biodiversity. The aim of present investigation was to assess the diversity and distribution of parasites from some fish species from the Prut River. Fish were sampled from three station on Prut River (Rădăuți, Drânceni, Oancea) during the year 2020. The different types of fishes from 5 families Cyprinidae, Esocidae, Percidae, Siluridae, Cobitidae have been examined for analysis of the distribution of parasites from these fish, in order to complete the existing data on metazoan parasites of freshwater fishes in the Romanian sector of Prut River. Parasitological investigations were performed on fresh samples by classic methods and the obtained results were expressed in grades of prevalence and intensity. In the analysed fish, were identified 12 parasitic species belonging to 6 systematic groups: Protozoa, Monogenea, Trematoda, Cestoda, Nematoda, Anelida. The prevalence of the parasitosis varied among examined fish species. The ciliated protozoa and monogenic worms were the most commonly identified parasites, but the intensity of parasitism was low. The effects of parasites on fish hosts in the natural environment may be difficult to isolate and quantify. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A feeding trial was conducted to determine the effects of different feeding levels on growth performance and body composition. During 31 days, the experiment was carried out in the "Dunărea de Jos" University facilities from Galați, Romania. 720 fish, with an initial weight of 10.92 ± 0.17 g, were randomly distributed in twelve RAS rearing unit, with the same stocking densities. Four experimental variants were created, in triplicate: V1 - 3% from body weight per day (% BW day-1), V2 - 3.9% BW day-1, V3 - 4.9% BW day-1 and V4 -6% BW day-1. Fish were fed with 45% crude protein and 16% lipids at a feeding frequency of three meals per day. At the end of the experiment, significant differences (p=0.05) were recorded between the four experimental variants. The body composition showed significant differences (p<0.05) also. The highest protein content and the lowest lipid content being recorded in variant V4 with 6% BW day-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the years 2019-2020, research was carried out on the assessment of the health status of fish in the upper Danube sector of Romania. Fish species belonging to the families Ciprinidae, Siluridae, Esocidae, Percidae, Clupeidae and Acipenseridae were analyzed. Fish were sampled from two stations: Station 1- km 1048, near Moldova Nouă and Station 2- km 493, near Giurgiu. The parasitological analyzes were performed in the laboratory of the Institute of Research and Development for Aquatic Ecology, Fishing, and Aquaculture (ICDEAPA), Galati, Romania. Analyzes were performed on fresh fish using well-known methods. In station 1, 14 species of parasites belonging to eight systematic groups were identified: Nematode, Monogenea, Trematode, Ciliata, Acanthocephala, Protozoa, Cestoda, Crustacea, while in station 2, 11 species of parasites belonging to six systematic groups were identified: Monogenea, Ciliata, Trematoda, Nematoda, Acanthocephala, Cestoda. The species Sander lucioperca and Abramis brama presented most often polyparasitoses but with a low degree of infestation. The most present group of parasites in station 1 was represented by nematodes and in station 2 by monogenic worms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid, AA) levels on haematological profile and some biochemical indices of European catfish, reared in a recirculating aquaculture system. A basal commercial diet (40% crude protein and 11.5% lipids) was used as a control (D0), and three other diets were prepared by supplementing the feed with 50 mg AA kg-1 diet (D1), 100 mg AA kg-1 diet (D2) and 150 (D3) mg AA kg-1 diet. At the end of the feeding trial, blood samples were taken in order to analyse the haematological profile and serum biochemical parameters. Significant differences (p˂0.05) were recorded among experimental diets in the numbers of red blood cells (RBC), haematocrit (Hct), the mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and the mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC). Regarding the serum glucose, serum total protein, and the concentration of immunoglobulin (IgM) it was observed an insignificant increase (p˃0.05) with the increasing of the level of vitamin C. In conclusion, supplementation of vitamin C in the diet of Silurus glanis led to good results on fish welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pontic shad is one of the most important species for industrial fishing and one of the most appreciated fish given its organoleptic qualities, having a particularly fine meat taste and a high percentage of fat. The purpose of this paper is to assess the condition of Pontic shad flocks that arrived in the breeding areas in 2020. The morphometric characteristics, the sex ratio, the age and the growth parameters for the Pontic shad from the Smârdan - Gropeni area, Brăila county were studied. A number of 50 specimens of Pontic shad were examined during April-May 2020. The sex ratio in the analysed group was 56% females and 44% males. The smallest males were 2 years old, measured 26 cm and weighed 150 g, while the largest specimens were 3 years old with a total length of 33 cm and a weight of 275 g. The average length of the males was 30.214 ± 1.608 cm and the average weight was 215.952 ± 35.410 g. The smallest females measured 30 cm, weighed 220 g and were 2 years old and the largest specimens were 5 years old, they had 37 cm and 450 g. The average length of the female specimens was 33.357 ± 1.870 cm and the average mass was 328.571 ± 64.792 g. Analysing the population structure and the Fulton coefficient, we appreciate that in 2020, in the studied breeding areas, the Pontic shad flocks, in which females over 3 years of age predominated, had a good state of maintenance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the influence of stocking density on the common carp growth performance and body composition, four variants: 0.9 kg m-3 (V1), 1.8 kg m-3 (V2), 2.6 kg m-3 (V3), and 3.5 kg m-3 (V4) was carried out during 31 days. In this context, 2100 common carp fry, with an initial weight of 1.8 g fish-1, were maintained in twelve rearing units of a recirculating aquaculture system. Fish were fed three times per day with extruded feed containing 50% crude protein and 14% fat. At the end of the experiment, the fish's growth performance was assessed. Better results were obtained for the V1 variant. Regarding the biochemical composition of fish meat, significant differences (p˂0.05) were recorded in the water content, while the ash lipids and protein content showed no significant differences (p˃0.05) between the experimental variants. Therefore, it can be concluded that a stocking density of 0.9 kg m-3 is optimal for rearing juveniles of common carp without compromising the specific growth rate (SGR), survival, and biochemical composition of fish meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the haematological profile of rainbow trout after applying of different intensities of feeding (FL1-2.5% BW day-1, FL2-3% BW day-1, FL3-3.5% BW day-1, FL4-4 % BW day-1, FL5-4.5 % BW day-1 and, ad libitum-FL6). Fish were reared in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS), provided with twelve rearing units (in duplicate) for 44 days. Blood samples were collected from twelve fish on each experimental variant, and were made before and after the experimental trial. Red blood cell counts (RBCc), haematocrit values (Hct), haemoglobin concentration (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), total serum glucose (Glu) and total proteins (TP) were determined. Also, in order to determine the leukogram and the absolute number of leukocytes, blood samples were collected and used immediately to make smears. At the end of the experiment, ANOVA test revealed no significant changes (p>0.05) in the RBCc, Hct, Hb, MCV, MCH, MCHC and glucose concentration (Glu), while the total proteins (TP) from blood serum increased significantly (p<0.05) with the increasing of the feeding intensity, except for ad libitum feeding, were total serum protein decreased. Regarding the total number of leukocytes, in general, it has not been registered statistically significant changes (p>0.05). Lymphocytes (relative and absolute) have remained relatively constant, without significant variation (p>0.05). The main conclusion that emerges from this current study shows that in the case of rainbow trout reared under recirculating aquaculture system conditions, feeding intensity does not significantly influence the haematological profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment aimed to determine the impact of environmental light (spectrum, intensity, and photoperiodicity) on the growth performance of juvenile catfish (Silurus glanis, L., 1758), reared in a recirculating industrial aquaculture system (RAS). The experiment was conducted over 60 days and was organized two variants of light intensity, were compared, in replicate, as follows: in first variant (V1) we used green light with an intensity of 80 lx and in the second version (V2) white light with an intensity of 260 lx. The same photoperiodicity regime was applied in both variants 12L:12D. The initial stocking density was 15.66 kg m-3. The indicators of growth performance, obtained at the end of the experimental period, registered the following results: in the experimental variant V1 (white light), the final stocking density was 28.75 kg m-3, SGR 1.44 %/day compared to V2 experimental variant (light green), compared to a final stocking density of 29.99 kg m-3, a value of 1.31% day-1 for SGR were recorded. The final results of the study indicate a higher growth performance for the experimental variant with a green light (V2), a fact which demonstrates that juvenile catfish show technological plasticity concerning light regime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the intensive growth of the sturgeons, different stressful factors may occur which could act isolated or in association, influencing their physiological state. In these conditions, the organism tries to cope through a series of biochemical and physiological changes as a result of the activation, in cascade, of some mechanisms of the neuroendocrine response to these stressors. This paper presents the results of the haematological investigations in a controlled experiment that followed the effect of the cold shock stress of water temperature, in the range 12.8 oC ÷ 7 oC (initially, after 1 hour, respectively after 3 hours) on the physiology of the Acipenser stellatus species (stellate sturgeon), a very valuable species for sturgeon farming in Romania. This experiment was part of a series of experiments applied to intensive sturgeon breeding with the aim of selecting specific molecular and biochemical markers (gene and protein expressions) to allow the analysis of the response mechanisms to stress factors in aquaculture. Haematological indices and erythrocyte constants were determined using standard methods for veterinary haematology and the data obtained were statistically processed. The determined values of the haematological parameters ranged near the lower limit of the optimum interval for Acipenseridae. In the context of our study, although there was a constant increasing tendency of haematocrit (Ht) values with the raise of the exposure to cold (14.46% - initially, 16.39% - after 1 hour, respectively 17.51% - after 3 hours), in parallel with a less uniform reaction of the other haematological parameters, the statistical analysis did not reveal significant differences between the three experimental groups. The obtained data show the evolution of the haematological profile of the stellate sturgeon and it is useful in completing the database with reference values for research in the field of sturgeon culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]