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Originally in: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/WWMDigitalMagV1Ish1.htm,

Related FAQs: Sturgeons

Related Articles: Coelacanths, Bony-Tongues, Bichirs & Ropefish,

Sturgeons & Sterlets, Pond Profile 

By Neale Monks Acipenser stellatus
Aquatic Gardens

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by Robert (Bob) Fenner

Sturgeons are ancient fish with cartilaginous rather than bony skeletons, five rows of bony plates running along their bodies, and asymmetrical tails similar to those of sharks. Although they don't make particularly good aquarium or pond fish, they are quite widely traded.

The Starry Sturgeon (Acipenser stellatus) specimens photographed above were at a Wildwoods, a British aquarium and pond fish retailer noted for carrying oddball species, and priced at about £100 (approximately $150). This species has a very long but robust snout rather like an alligator's snout. The most distinctive features of the species are the rows of smaller scutes in between the main rows of bony plates along the flanks. Maximum reported length in the wild is 7 feet (2.2 m), though they normally only reach a bit over half that length. Starry Sturgeons are found in freshwater, brackish water and saltwater habitats.

Pond size and filtration 

The main problem is size; even the Sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus) gets to about 2 feet (60 cm) long under pond conditions and most get to about twice that size. The pond will need to be at least 1000 gallons (3800 litres) in capacity. Sturgeons also need a filtration system that ensures perfect water quality and a strong water current. 

Most plants will be uprooted, but plants in pots can be used sparing, provided the sturgeons can easily swim around them. Gravel can damage them, so provide a soft, sandy substrate instead. Remove anything that might inhibit water circulation or trap swimming sturgeons, such as blanketweed.
 

Water chemistry and temperature 

Sturgeons need hard, basic water conditions, similar to those enjoyed by koi. However, sturgeons are much more sensitive to warm, oxygen-poor water. Water temperature should be between 54-64Ë°F (12-18Ë°C). When heat-stressed they will swim at the surface, poking their noses out of the water. To keep the pond cool use water features to increase evaporation and build a pergola to provide shade. On the other hand, sturgeons don't hibernate under ice, and a pond heater may be required to keep an ice-free patch that allows oxygen to get into the pond during very cold weather.
 

Diet 

Sturgeons are predators. Healthy fish have huge appetites, and it's easy for them to starve to death if inadequately fed. They feed all year around, albeit less in winter than summer, which means the filter will need to be running even during very cold weather. There are foods produced just for sturgeons such as Hikari Sturgeon, but otherwise carnivorous catfish pellets are good, alongside lancefish, earthworms, etc. Settled specimens will 'beg' for food, and if water temperature isn't a problem, then sturgeons sticking their noses out of the water may be hungry.
 

Healthcare 

Formalin, copper and potassium permanganate are highly toxic to sturgeons and should not be used. Non-ioidised salt is safe though, as you'd expect for a group of fish that commonly inhabit brackish waters.  

Aquatic Gardens

Ponds, Streams, Waterfalls & Fountains:
Volume 1. Design & Construction
Volume 2. Maintenance, Stocking, Examples

V. 1 Print and eBook on Amazon
V. 2 Print and eBook on Amazon
 

by Robert (Bob) Fenner
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