Description

Diamond Sturgeon 6-8″

This Diamond Sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii) 6-8″ is one of the most impressive fish you can keep in a garden pond. With its prehistoric appearance, elongated body and graceful swimming style, it’s a true centrepiece for large ponds and lakes.

Although often sold as juveniles measuring just a few inches long, Diamond Sturgeon are fast-growing fish capable of reaching well over a metre in length. They should only be considered for large, mature ponds with excellent filtration, high oxygen levels and plenty of uninterrupted swimming space. Diamond Sturgeon are among the larger pond sturgeon and quickly outgrow small ornamental ponds

Diamond Sturgeon Pond Setup

Diamond Sturgeon require a spacious pond with excellent water quality and continuous aeration. Unlike many pond fish, they rarely stop swimming and spend much of their time cruising along the pond floor using their sensitive barbels to locate food.

A smooth pond base is recommended, as string algae, netting or rough obstacles can trap or injure these fish. Strong filtration and additional aeration become particularly important during warm weather when oxygen levels naturally decrease.

Because of their eventual size, Diamond Sturgeon are best suited to ponds designed with their long-term care in mind rather than temporary accommodation.

Behaviour

Despite their formidable appearance, Diamond Sturgeon are peaceful fish that coexist well with koi, goldfish and other large pond species.

They are almost constantly on the move and naturally feed from the pond floor. Their poor eyesight is compensated for by highly sensitive barbels, allowing them to detect food hidden on the bottom.

Unlike koi, they are unable to compete effectively for floating foods, making dedicated feeding essential.

Diamond Sturgeon Feeding

Sturgeons should be fed a dedicated sinking sturgeon pellet designed to reach the pond floor quickly. Floating foods are generally unsuitable, as Sterlets naturally feed from the bottom and are poorly adapted to surface feeding. Their diet can also be supplemented with meaty foods like prawns, mussels, bloodworm, earthworms and other similar foods widely available in fish shops.

If you have any questions about keeping these Diamond Sturgeon 6-8″, please contact us and a member of our friendly pond team will be more than happy to offer advice on best practice.

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