|
 Stellatus Surgeon  Diamond sturgeon
Sturgeon are dramatic, almost
prehistoric, looking fish and come in several varieties. They can be
kept outdoor in ponds but need a lot of room, at least 1000 gallons
for the smallest variety (Sterlet) which can grow as big as 60-90 cm
in a pond environment. Apparently they cannot swim or paddle
backwards with their fixed pectoral fins and can become trapped in
aquatic plants.
 Sterlet Sterlet is good fish for the beginner. It is from the same family
of sturgeon as the Stellatus, Siberian, Italian and Diamond
sturgeons. Often sold as "Dwarf Sterlets", they are true
sturgeon; Sterlets can reach 1.2m and 16 kg in weight.  Albino Sterlet
The Albino Sterlet is ideal for a pond due to the maximum size of
60-80cm being reached only over a long period of time.  Siberian Sturgeon
Feeding Sturgeon
Sturgeon cannot digest plant proteins, so it is advisable to feed
a good quality food made specially for Sturgeon. Orchard fisheries have a range of top quality pond feeds and have feeds that are made especially for Sturgeon.
Under ideal conditions in at summer temperatures sturgeon require
between 2 - 3 % of their body weight per day depending on their size
to grow at their correct natural rate.
Like most fish sturgeon need to feed regularly through out the
day.
Water conditions for Sturgeon
Good water conditions for sturgeon are Ammonia 0.0mg/l, Nitrite
less than 0.25 mg/l, Nitrate less than 150 mg/l. pH should be above
7.0 and below 9 (i.e. low alkali).
High oxygen levels, more than 6mg/l and cool water temperatures
less than 28oC.
The majority of sturgeon species are happier in water under or
around 20oC.
Care with treatments There are many treatments that are used
in garden ponds that are deadly to sturgeon most are algaecide's for
the control of 'green water' or 'blanket weed' others are for
treating parasites. Look on the label or check with the store /
manufacturer, if they are unwilling or unable to say avoid the
treatment. Avoid any treatments with Copper sulphate / CuSO4 ,
Formalin / formaldehyde, Potassium permanganate / KMnO4 or
any treatments that state not to be used with Golden Orfe (Leciscus
sp.) or Rudd (Scardinius reythrophathalmus) as they are more than
likely to kill sturgeon
More Information
There is a wealth of information on
Sturgeon to be found here....
The good sturgeon guide. http://pond-life.me.uk/sturgeon/sturgeonguide.php
http://www.sturgeon-web.co.uk/index.php
http://www.pond-life.me.uk
a good web site with a pleasant forum with knowledgeable Sturgeon
folks contributing regularly.
|
