Developmental transcription of genes putatively associated with growth in two sturgeon species of different growth rate

► We studied developmental transcription of gh, igf-I, ghrl and vegf in Beluga and Persian sturgeon. ► In both species, mRNA levels of igf-I and ghrl increased remarkably in the time of exogenous feeding. ► Consistent with organogenesis, vegf transcript increased during yolk-sac fry in both species. ► When exogenous feeding started, gh showed a specific pattern of transcription in Beluga. ► Specific gh transcription in Beluga may be associated with its marked growth rate and large size.