Name: Sterlet
Scientific Name: Acipenser ruthenus
Temperature: 10-18C (50-65F)
pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline; 7.0-8.0
Care Level: Sensitive fish with very large living requirements. Not for beginners.
Temperament: Peaceful
Size: 125 cm / 50 inches
Diet: Carnivorours; eat small mollusks and invertebrates in wild; require special food in captivity with very low to no plant matter.
Origin/Biotope: Eurasia, fresh and in some cases slightly brackish coldwaters.
Comments: The Sterlet is a more suitable sturgeon species for captivity. They require large living quarters in the range of 1000-2000 gallons as young growing adults. At full size, they are better off in much larger ponds.
Since Sterlets are slow growers, they can be kept in large aquaria while growing.
Sterlets need well oxygenated water. If kept temporarily in an aquarium, it's suggested that you provide substantial water movement by adding power heads and air pumps. Sturgeons also prefer to be kept in low light and may become stressed in a new environment with high light.
Written by Leah C.
Resources: Personal experience and observations; Images by Leah C.; aquaticcommunity.com; pond-life.me.uk.
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