Danube Sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii)
| Danube Sturgeon Acipenser gueldenstaedtii | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Danube Sturgeon |
| Name Lat. | Acipenser gueldenstaedtii |
| Synonym | Waxdick |
| Family | Sturgeons |
| Family lat. | Acipenseridae |
| Order | Sturgeons & Paddlefishes |
| Order lat. | Acipenseriformes |
| Origin | Eurasia |
| Habitat | Rivers, lakes, estuaries |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 6.5-8.0 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Individual, group |
| Care Level | Experts only |
| Reproduction | Oviparous |
| Breeding | None reported |
| Life Span | 30+ years |
| Protection | CITES Appendix II; EU Annex B |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 140 cm |
| Temperature | 4-22 °C |
| Hardness | < 25 °dH |
| Aquarium | Pond |
| US Units | |
| Size | 55" |
| Temperature | 39-72 °F |
| Hardness | < 445 ppm |
| Aquarium | Pond |
Distribution and habitat
Today, Russian sturgeon are found only in the Caspian Sea and for spawning in the Ural and Volga rivers, as well as in the Black Sea, where they spawn in the lower reaches of the Rioni and Danube rivers. In the seas they live in the shallow coastal zones and estuaries of rivers. In the past, they came as far as Regensburg during their spawning migrations in the Danube. There are also populations in the Volga and the lower Danube, largely sedentary only in freshwater.
Maintenance
They require very large ponds that are furnished with a soft substrate suitable for burrowing as well as round river pebbles and provide adequate swimming space. A light to moderate current is ideal
No ammonia, ammonium or nitrite should be detectable, and the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter adapted to the water volume should not be missing.
Diet
The agile fish have a large food requirement. In nature, they feed mainly on small fish and bottom-dwelling animals, such as crayfish and larvae. The food supply consists of a high-quality sinking dry food (granules, pellets) for sturgeons, supplemented with small crustaceans, fish spawn, insect larvae, fish and shellfish, which is also accepted without problems in frozen form, as well as earthworms, meal beetle larvae and snails.
Regular and varied feeding promotes health and increases resistance.
Behaviour and compatibility
They are peaceful fish that do not exhibit aggressive or incompatible behaviors and can be socialized well with other pond fish that are not too small.
In principle, only mutually compatible fish species with similar requirements for water quality and water temperature may be socialized.
Reproduction and breeding
There are no known external distinguishing characteristics.
They undertake upstream spawning migrations (anadromous migratory fish), which they begin in the fall. Egg-laying then occurs in spring in the strong current of rivers on sandy or gravel bottoms. Males are sexually mature at 8-13 years, females at 10-16 years. Females embark on spawning migrations every 4-6 years and males every 2-3 years. There are no known reports of successful breeding in the aquarium or pond.
Species protection
Species protection: WA Appendix II; EU Appendix B. The proof of purchase is the required proof of origin for the animal. Please keep it safe! Your pet store will be happy to provide you with further information.
Important
The water temperature should not exceed 20-22 °C. They are bred in fish farms and are important fish in aquaculture
At temperatures below 8 °C, the metabolism of Russian sturgeon slows down and little food is accepted. In spring, with rising temperatures, feeding can slowly be resumed. Feeding may also be necessary during prolonged warm periods in winter
The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. A regular partial water change, according to the pond size is recommended, even if the pollutant load has not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the pond
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: Werner Winter; Image: petdata
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2004): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 3, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische; Harri Deutsch Verlag
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF