Diamond Sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii)
By Graham Quick
Often sold as a hybrid but is a true species. It can reach 2.3m and 110kg in the wild but 1.25m and 15kg is nearer the mark in ponds. It grows very quickly, only second in growth rate to the Beluga. Very pretty when small but often loses its white pattern to become a grey/black colour.
It is the most popular sturgeon seen for sale, but is not really suitable for small ponds; minimum pond should be 2000 gallons (9000 litres). Not suitable for aquariums.
Does not tolerate low oxygen or temperatures over 25C very well at all.
Extra oxygenation in the summer months is a must.
Will not tolerate strong treatments such as formalin.
Blunt rounded nose distinguishes it from other species (there is a sub species now appearing with a pointed nose from Germany). A poor fish when under 20cm in length as it can suffer from a virus, so only buy larger specimens. Due to its growth rate it must be fed real sturgeon food as it suffers very quickly from malnutrition.
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A Picture supplied by Igor Maslyuk.