I have an albino sterlet in with my koi and they get on well together. I chose the albino sterlet as he's easy to see and sterlets (small sturgeon) won't grow any larger than 2 1/2 - 3 feet. He's about 2 foot now.
Contrary to popular belief, they are not 'vacuum cleaners' and need high protein/high oil sinking pellets. They are blind and can easily lose all their food to the koi (who are crazy about sturgeon food), so you'll have to be very careful with the feeding. I find it's best to distract the koi to one part of the pond with some of the food and then throw the rest into the other side when they're not looking! Also, sturgeon feed mainly at night, so that's a good time to feed as the koi can't see where the food is. Sturgeon also need high oxygen levels.
You'll also have to be very careful with any chemical treatments. Many will kill your sturgeon. Any that cannot be used with rudd or orfe are also fatal to sturgeon.
Posted on Apr 22, 2005, 10:26 AM from IP address 195.93.21.38