Siberian Sturgeon (Acipenser baerii)
By Graham Quick & Terry White
The Siberian Sturgeon (Acipenser baerii) is one of the most common species seen for sale, it is easier to breed than other species and it grows very quickly with very few health problems. The Siberian Sturgeon a maximum length of 2m (6½ft) and 200kg in the wild. In ponds 1.2m and 15-20kg is about the maximum.
The Siberian Sturgeon grows very quickly and will soon out grow the average pond. The skin is brownish grey to black in colour and the ventral (under side) is whitish, sometimes with grey spots. The Silver Siberian is seen for sale occasionally and, if you can afford it, makes a very beautiful silver grey specimen although they do sometimes darken with age.
A good fish for the larger pond as it grows very quickly and is hardy. It will go with bigger fish without any problems and is not a threat to other smaller fish. Extra oxygenation in the summer months is essential. Siberian Sturgeons do not tolerate strong treatments such as formalin.
"Feeding sturgeons and koi" video by Terry Williams
includes a nice close-up of a large Siberian Sturgeon (Acipenser baerii)
The growth rate is dependent on food quality and temperature but when young they can grow like weeds, putting on 8 - 10 inches (20 - 25cm) over a year, given the right food and environment. The growth rate slows down once the fish has reached about 3ft in length.
recommended Pond Size
Siberian Sturgeons will quickly outgrow smaller ponds of 2,000 - 3,000 gallons (9,000 - 13,500 litres) that the Sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus), with their slower growth rate, would do well in for longer. They may be kept in a pond of 3,000 - 6,000 gallons (13,500 - 27,000 litres) for some time but a pond of 6,000 - 8,000 gallons (27,000 - 36,500 litres) or more is recommended to keep Siberian Sturgeons into maturity.
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Taxonomy
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Links: Encyclopedia of Life | FAO Species Fact Sheet | FAO Cultured Aquatic Species Fact Sheet | Fishbase | ITIS | Pond Life | World Register of Marine Species
Common Names: Lena River sturgeon, Long-nosed Siberian Sturgeon, Siberian Sturgeon