Sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus)
By Graham Quick
The Sterlet is probably the slowest growing and therefore the best species for the garden pond. It 'only' grows to 1.2m in the wild but usually 60-90 cm in the average pond. It is easy to distinguish from the Siberian sturgeon as it has white edge to the pectoral (front) fins. When young it also has a white line along the back and down both sides. While it is slow growing it one of the easiest sturgeon to keep, and is the most tolerant of pond 'problems'.
A 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.
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.
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