Diamond Sturgeon (Russian/Goldspot) (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii)

If you have an extensive pond Diamond sturgeons are stunning fish. They are extremely pretty when young but have less defined markings and become paler when mature, although as they are a big fish they remain an impressive addition to the pond. They are a stocky fish with a wide  back and shoulders when adult. They grow rapidly (second to the Beluga sturgeon) and should not be considered if you have a smaller pond of 1000 gallons or just over. In this case go for the Sterlet. Be aware that disreputable sellers may try to pass them off as a Diamond Sterlet which is a fictitious name. They are a Diamond sturgeon.

They require plentiful oxygen, and prefer over 6.5mg/ltr+. Needing a large pond due to their size, one of 3000 + gallons is preferable. In the wild they can live for over 50 years and maximum size would be 3m (10 ft) with a weight of 100kg (200+ lb). In a home pond 1.5m (5ft) with a weight of 30kg (60-70lb) would be a very large fish while sizes of 1.2m (4ft) and 10kg (22lb) are more likely.

Young Diamonds grow best in a temperature range of 13-17 degrees C, whilst older fish need temperatures of 18-22 degrees C to maintain optimum growth.

This species is farmed extensively as it is one of the most important in caviar production. The farming helps to conserve and add to wild fish stocks, which may otherwise be depleted. Loss of natural spawning grounds has occurred due to dam and other constructions on rivers where they breed. Artificial spawning grounds have been created to form gravel and pebble beds to compensate for this.

CAUTION   Be aware that young Diamonds under 25cm (10") can suffer from an almost untreatable viral infection which is fatal despite your best efforts. Due to this it is advisable to purchase larger fish that have passed this stage ie. over 10". The virus doesn't harm other fish apart from the white sturgeon Huso transmontanas (formally Acipenser).