The sterlet, Acipenser ruthenus, is one of the smallest sturgeon species. Nevertheless, this fish can also grow to over one meter in length. The largest known specimen is reported to be 125 cm long. Sterlets become usually around 60 cm long.
Like all sturgeons, this species is highly endangered due to overfishing and, above all, environmental pollution. It is covered by species protection legislation (CITES), but no accounting is required for the live trade in juvenile fish.
Sterletts are one of the few sturgeon species that live in freshwater throughout their lives. Most sturgeons spawn in freshwater, but migrate to the sea as juveniles and only return to freshwater later to spawn. The sterlet also carries out spawning migrations in nature, but only upstream, as it is usually already in fresh water. For pond owners, however, this means that they need to keep a close eye on their fish during the spawning season, as the animals then become restless and may migrate out of the pond!
Like all sturgeon species in the trade, our sterletts are bred by specialized fish farms. In addition to the wild form, we can also offer albino sterletts. Due to their strikingly bright coloration, albinos are naturally much easier to see in the pond and are therefore particularly attractive.
All sturgeons, including the sterlet, easily become tame and beg for food on the surface of the water. Younger specimens easily fall victim to cats. So be careful that Pussycat doesn’t get a treat unintentionally!
For our customers: the albino sterletts have code 801016, wild-colored code 801002 on our stock list. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
