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Sterlet

Acipenser ruthenus

Freshwater Europe Usually captive bred

A prehistoric, bony-plated coldwater sturgeon suited almost exclusively to large, well-oxygenated outdoor ponds. It cannot tolerate summer heat waves, low oxygen, or hair algae that easily traps its pectoral fins. Feed sinking sturgeon pellets throughout the winter months when other pond fish sleep.

Also called: Sterlet sturgeon.

70 cm adult length, drawn to scale. torpedo body.

Outgrows a typical home tank. Check this fish against the adult size above before buying a juvenile. The minimum shown is the least it is kept in for good, not a comfortable size.

Try it in the planner Opens a tank sized to its minimum with 1 fish added.

What it needs

ItemValueBecause
Adult length 70 cm Used for the Space check: the tank must be long enough for the fish to turn round.
Smallest tank 1500 L, at least 250 cm long estimated The least water and floor length this species is kept in for good, as a single fish or smallest group.
Extra water per added fish 500 L estimated What each further fish adds once the minimum is met.
Waste load Class 5 of 5 estimated How much waste an adult makes against its size. Feeds the Load check.
Temperature 10 to 20 C Stock sharing a tank need overlapping ranges.
pH 7 to 8.2 Compared with tankmates in the Water check.
Hardness GH 10 to 20, KH 6 to 14 Degrees of general and carbonate hardness.
Flow High Low-flow fish are stressed in a strong current.
Light Moderate Matched to the lighting class on the needs sheet.
Group size Single fish is fine Not a schooling species.
Temperament Peaceful Not territorial.
Swims in Near the bottom Fish that use different levels share a tank more easily.
Lifespan About 25 years A fish is a long commitment.
Experience Experienced keepers only A guide to how forgiving the species is of mistakes.

Tags marked estimated are judged from the size and habits of the species rather than measured, so treat them as a sensible default.

Diet and tank layout

Sterlet is an carnivore that swims in the lowest part of the tank. It leaves most plants alone.

Tankmates

Works with

Depends

Avoid

Compare any two fish on the compatibility page, or print the equipment for a stock on the needs sheet. How this is worked out: the method.