Also known as the Oscietra whose scientific name is Acipenser gueldenstaedtii, Diamond sturgeon is an endangered freshwater fish is originally from Eurasia. Like many sturgeon species found in Europe, this species is in danger of extinction. We tell you all about the characteristics of this small sturgeon species and how to raise it in good conditions.
All the characteristics of Diamond Sturgeon
What do they look like?
Even though it’s a small species of sturgeon, the average Diamond Sturgeon measures 1.50 m and can easily exceed 2 m in length. In fact, some record-breakers have measured 2.36 m for 115 kg. This fish is dark on top and very light, almost white underneath, with a rather flattened body and a downward-opening mouth. Its entire body is lined with white spikes reminiscent of small diamonds.
The origins of the Diamond Sturgeon
These fish come mainly from Asia, but also from Eastern Europe. Aquaculture has made it possible to introduce them throughout Europe, whether voluntarily or not. As a result, they are now even easier to find in the Middle East and Russia. However, for some years now, they have not been found in Austria, Hungary and Croatia.
Its natural habitat
The osciètre lives in rivers with low water levels. It is mainly found in the northern rivers of the Caspian Sea, the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea, but also occasionally in rivers in Northern Europe.
His lifestyle
They live mainly in shoals, feeding on benthic crustaceans, small fish and mollusks, but can also live alone. They feed on benthic crustaceans, small fish and molluscs. As for reproduction, males must reach 8 to 13 years of age before they can reproduce, and can do so every 2 to 3 years. Females have to wait between 10 and 16 years and can only reproduce every 4 to 6 years.
How do you raise a diamond sturgeon in a pond?
As mentioned above, this is an endangered fish, and owning one is governed by articles L.413-1 to L.413-5 and R.413-1 to R.413-51 of the French Environment Code. It is therefore highly advisable to find out more before acquiring one.
How much does a Diamond Sturgeon cost?
As with many fish, the price of a Diamond Sturgeon 20€ and this can rise to almost 500€ transport-sensitive fish depends on its size. The smallest can be bought for around and this can rise to nearly for a fish approaching 1 meter. You can buy them in specialist stores or on the Internet, but they’re not a real fish, so it’s a risk to have them delivered.
Basin and water type
Number of fish
It’s best to introduce several, even if it can live on its own.
Basin volume
Minimum 25 m2 and 80 cm depth, as this is a large fish that needs space.
Temperature
Water temperature should be between 4°C and 20°C.
Water PH
Water acidity should be between 7.5 and 8 for the well-being of your fish.
What does the Diamond Sturgeon eat?
This fish feeds mainly on small fish, mollusks and benthic crustaceans such as the Daphnia Diamond sturgeon, which are the best known and most common. Unlike other fish of the same type that feed very little in winter, the Diamond Sturgeon feeds in the same way all year round.
How does it live with other fish species?
The Diamond Sturgeon is a very calm, independent fish that can live very well with other fish species, such as Mongolian tench, with which it is often associated and with which there are no worries. If you keep them in a pond, you just need to make sure that it’s big enough so that each fish can have the space it needs to live quietly and properly.
