Have you ever considered using a sterlet to give your aquarium a touch of elegance? These intriguing fish are a unique addition to any tank because of their graceful movements and prehistoric appearance. In order to ensure a healthy aquatic environment, whether you’re a novice or an experienced enthusiast, knowing how to care for a sterlet can make all the difference.
It takes more than just a good tank to properly care for a sterlet in an aquarium; proper nutrition and habitat are also necessary. When it comes to everything from tank size to water quality, sterlets are very picky. Regular checks and appropriate maintenance are essential because they thrive in a well-maintained environment.
It also takes some attention to feed a sterlet. To maintain their health and vitality, they have dietary requirements that must be satisfied. Achieving the ideal ratio of different food kinds will guarantee that your sterlet stays healthy and lively.
Maintaining a sterlet also requires compatibility. These fish may not get along with every tankmate because they have unique social preferences. Creating a harmonious aquarium setup will be made easier by knowing which species can live in harmony with a sterlet.
A sterlet can develop into an exquisite aquarium focal point with the correct upkeep. Examine the specifics of their upkeep, diet, and suitability to make sure you’re giving these graceful fish the best possible home.
Description
The smallest member of the sturgeon family is the sterlet (lat. Acipenser ruthenus), which can reach a maximum length of one meter in the wild and 60 to 70 centimeters in an aquarium. It is mostly found in the basins of big reservoirs, such as the Volga, Yenisei, Ob, Black Sea, Don, Dnieper, etc., and is primarily distributed in the European portion of Russia. It was once extremely common, but because of unrestricted fishing, the destruction of spawning grounds, and the regulation of river flow, its population has been severely weakened, and it is now rare to find in the wild.
The structure and appearance of this fish are peculiar: the scales are arranged in rows of bony plates called scutes, which are particularly sharp and obvious in young fish. The caudal fin resembles a shark’s tail and is heterocercal, meaning that its upper lobe is longer than its lower. The sterlet can retrieve food from the bottom because it is a bottom fish, which means it has a lower mouth. In an aquarium, it thus replaces a catfish.
The sterlet has light rows of scutes and a white belly in addition to its dark gray color. In young fish, it is the darkest and most contrasting, and it fades with age.
It acts aggressively in an aquarium, prowling along the bottom in search of food. If there is not enough room, it may even swim in circles around the tank.
Because of their relatively unchanged structure and appearance over millions of years of evolution, sturgeon fish are regarded as living fossils.
The sterlet is the species of sturgeon that should be considered in an aquarium the most, but it is obviously not for beginners due to its whimsical content.
It is advisable to avoid keeping wild-caught specimens as pets since they might not adjust well to being brought into captivity and because they might harbor diseases like helminthiasis.
Due to its lack of popularity among aquarists, purchasing sterlet for an aquarium from a store will also be quite difficult. Purchasing fry from fish hatcheries is one choice. They will probably already be used to artificial feed and will accept the transition to an aquarium more readily.
A large pond is an excellent choice for keeping sterlet.
In the wild, sterlet is found in cold, fast-moving bodies of water with high oxygen concentrations. In order to keep the fish healthy and happy, you should try to replicate these conditions as closely as you can:
- large aquarium volumes – from 300 liters;
- A powerful pump will help create active circulation of water in the aquarium, imitating the course of the river;
- filtration and aeration are mandatory;
- optimal water temperature: up to 20-22 °C;
- weekly water changes of 25%;
- acidity: 6.5-8.5 pH;
- hardness: 6-25 dGH;
- the fish is active and mobile, so the tank should be equipped with a lid to prevent jumping out of the aquarium.
Albinos also exist in sturgeons.
Shelters and vegetation are not necessary for sterlet; instead, its biotope, rocky bottom, and a few elodea branches can be designed. Soil options include small gravel, sand, and medium-sized pebbles.
The most crucial requirement for maintaining sturgeons is a steady water temperature. Sharp adjustments are not well received. To avoid overheating, some breeders install specialized equipment in their tanks. Aeration is also crucial because fish in home aquariums die mostly from a lack of oxygen.
Sterlet produces a lot of mucus, just like other sturgeons, so a strong mechanical and biological cleaning system is needed.
An unanticipated spike in nitrites and nitrates has the potential to kill aquarium occupants.
Feeding
The sterlet is a predator in the wild. It consumes fish fry, eggs, bloodworms, worms, and insect larvae as food. It consumes food at its peak in the evening.
It happily consumes every kind of food, both frozen and live, in the aquarium:
- bloodworms;
- brine shrimp;
- tubifex;
- shell-less shrimp;
- pieces of fish;
- squid;
- sinking pellets of dry fish food.
| Aspect | Details |
| Maintenance | Sterlets need a spacious tank with good filtration since they produce a lot of waste. Aim for at least 200 gallons and ensure the tank has a strong filter. They prefer cool water, so keep the temperature between 50-65°F (10-18°C). Regular water changes are crucial to keep the environment clean. |
| Feeding | Feed sterlets a varied diet that includes high-quality pellets, live or frozen foods like worms, and small fish. They have a good appetite, so don’t overfeed. Offer food in small amounts multiple times a day. |
| Compatibility | Sterlets are generally peaceful but can grow quite large, so they need a tank with other large, non-aggressive fish. Avoid small or overly aggressive species. They do well with other large, slow-moving fish but might be territorial. |
For both inexperienced and experienced aquarium hobbyists, maintaining a sterlet in an aquarium can be a fulfilling experience. These fish are a remarkable addition to your aquatic setup because of their unusual appearance and elegant swimming style. But in order for them to flourish, they do need particular attention, so it’s important to know what they need.
Keeping a sterlet healthy requires creating an environment that closely resembles their natural habitat. They require a large tank with lots of swimming space in addition to a water system with adequate oxygen. Their health can be maintained with regular water changes and water quality monitoring. Furthermore, sterlets prefer colder water temperatures, so make sure the temperature in your aquarium is appropriate for their needs.
Feeding your sterlet is not too difficult. These fish prefer to feed on the bottom, so their diet should consist of premium pellets, frozen or live food such as small fish and worms, and some plant material. To avoid overfeeding them and preserve the quality of the water, it’s crucial to feed them in moderation.
Compatibility with other fish is a crucial factor to take into account. While generally calm, sterlets can be a little possessive. They get along well with other species that don’t act too aggressively and share their water conditions. Housing them with tiny fish that could be misinterpreted for prey is best avoided.
In conclusion, maintaining a sterlet takes work, but the elegance and beauty they offer your aquarium is well worth it. You can prolong the pleasure of having them around for many years by making sure they have a good diet, appropriate surroundings, and compatible tank mates. Cheers to many years of fishkeeping!
It can be a fulfilling experience to keep a sterlet in an aquarium, but you must pay close attention to its particular requirements. This article will discuss feeding practices, tank setup, and interactions with other fish to help you keep your sterlet in a healthy environment. By being aware of these elements, you can make sure your sterlet grows well and enhances the beauty of your aquarium while getting along well with its tank mates.
