Proper conditions for keeping sturgeon in Aquarium

Due to the stature and the beauty of sturgeons, tendency to keep them in the aquarium has increased. There are ۲۷ species of sturgeon in the world that have inhabited the lakes and rivers of the Northern hemisphere. There are ۵ sturgeon species in the Caspian Sea. Among the sturgeons of the Caspian Sea and its catchment area, Sterlet (A. ruthenus) and Stellate (A. stellatus) are more suitable for keeping in the aquarium than other species of sturgeon. But Sterlet is preferable for keeping in the aquarium. Of cource, it is possible to keep other sturgeon species in the aquarium. However, due to their higher growth rate, they were more difficult to maintain in the long time and needed aquariums with more water volume and dimensions. To maintain sturgeon in an aquarium, the length and width of the aquarium should be large enough so that the fish can swim freely and swing easily. This means that, the length of the aquarium should be, at least ۶ times the length of the fish and its width at least ۲ times the length of the fish. Water depths are less important, but more water volume, provide more sustainable environmental condition. The first challenge in keeping sturgeon fish is water temperature. The tolerable range of water temperature for sturgeons is ۴-۲۹oC. At temperature lower than ۱۲oC, the metabolism of the fish body is reduced and as a result, the growth rate is reduced and as a result, the growth rate is decreased. At temperature above ۲۷oC, feeding is not cost-effective, and in addition to reducing growth, it also entitles risks. Sturgeons tolerate lower temperature better than higher temperature, due to their high need for oxygen (more than ۶ mg/L). It is necessary to mention, ۳۰oC is the maximum temperature at which sturgeon can survive for a long time without any causalities. In short, the growth of sturgeon is done in the temperature range of ۹ to ۲۷oC. The optimum water temperature for sturgeons is ۱۶-۲۴oC. Sturgeons’ feeds throughout the year, but the amount of food consumed is lower in the winter. Their food is comparable to other carnivorous fish. Sturgeons need proper feed and don’t want feed made from wheat or grains. During starvation, it uses the reserves of muscle tissue and as a result, the fish loses its muscle and finally is unable to move and dies soon. Bending in the back of sturgeons indicates food poverty. If the sturgeon constantly goes up and down on the edge of the holding tank, it indicates that they are hungry. As the water temperature rises in spring, sturgeons become more active and need more food. In general, the best feeding time is morning and evening. Food containing large amounts of proteins remaining in the aquarium bed can be the source of nitrite entering the aquarium water. Changing part of the aquarium water can bring the amount of nitrite to an acceptable level. In the summer, the sturgeons feed very well and it is necessary to make sure that all the fishes are well fed. In autumn, the fish prepares itself for wintering. Therefore, they should be fed and uneaten food should be removed. In winter, they feed on several pellets in each meal. In favorable thermal condition in summer, they need to be fed at the rate of ۲-۳ percent of their body weight.

کلیدواژه ها:

Sturgeon ، Sterlet ، Stellate ، Aquarium ، Maintenance ، Feeding