methods development

The European smelt is a crucial species in lake and river ecosystems, but declines in several riverine habitats have been reported recently. To investigate potential causes, experimental research on the early life stages is necessary, requiring knowledge on artificial propagation and rearing. The study presents a simplified protocol for mass-rearing European smelt using conventional hatchery equipment and decapsulated artemia cysts for first feeding, allowing large quantities of larvae for further experimental studies.