The Pacific (or White) Sturgeon is the largest freshwater fish in North America. As a true 'monster fish', it requires an absolutely massive indoor facility or an outdoor pond. They are coldwater, anadromous fish that require high oxygen levels, fast flow, and a soft sandy substrate to protect their sensitive sensory barbels. They are strict bottom feeders and will inadvertently swallow small tank mates.
Pacific Sturgeon At a Glance
Pacific Sturgeon Tank Requirements
Will Pacific Sturgeon fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Pacific Sturgeon needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Pacific Sturgeon against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Useful setup supplies
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Pacific Sturgeon Water Parameters
Water care products
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Pacific Sturgeon Temperament & Compatibility
Pacific Sturgeon Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard / Adult
Fully grown adult. Requires a monumental custom enclosure or outdoor pond. A high bioload producer that must be kept with other giant, coldwater species (like large Koi), though single keeping is easiest to ensure they get enough food.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Adult Sturgeon, Pond Size
Juvenile (Grow-out)
Juveniles are commonly sold for large aquariums but will rapidly outgrow them. They are extremely active, easily startled, and need a massive footprint to prevent crashing into glass. Must upgrade tank size quickly.
Differs in 6 traits from base species
Also known as: Baby Sturgeon, Fingerling
Pacific Sturgeon Care Guide Summary
The Pacific Sturgeon, scientifically known as Acipenser transmontanus, belongs to the Oddballs family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 300 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as mostly peaceful, this species primarily occupies the bottom zone of the aquarium and produces a extreme level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Pacific Sturgeon requires a brackish tolerant aquarium with a minimum volume of 20000 litres and a tank length of at least 600 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 10°C and 22°C, with a pH range of 6.5–8 and a general hardness of 4–20 dGH. A high water flow is preferred.
The Pacific Sturgeon is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 2 varieties: Standard / Adult and Juvenile (Grow-out). Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Pacific Sturgeon Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Pacific Sturgeon, a high water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom zone, the aquarium layout should prioritise sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour and smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured.
Pacific Sturgeon Compatibility Notes
Classified as mostly peaceful, the Pacific Sturgeon is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, any fish small enough to fit in its mouth will likely be eaten, ornamental shrimp are not safe companions, snails will be treated as food rather than tankmates, shy or slow-feeding tankmates may be outcompeted at feeding time, and their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Pacific Sturgeon Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Pacific Sturgeon is a predatory species that will readily consume small fish, so nano or bite-sized tankmates should be avoided, will hunt and eat ornamental shrimp, making it unsuitable for shrimp-focused setups, actively feeds on snails and can be used as a natural snail population control, and is an aggressive eater that may prevent timid tankmates from getting enough food, so target feeding or simultaneous feeding at opposite ends of the tank can help.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Pacific Sturgeon
How big does Pacific Sturgeon get?
Pacific Sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 300 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Pacific Sturgeon need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 20000 litres and a tank length of at least 600 cm are recommended for Pacific Sturgeon. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Pacific Sturgeon need?
Pacific Sturgeon thrives in brackish tolerant conditions with a temperature range of 10–22°C, a pH between 6.5 and 8, and a general hardness of 4–20 dGH. A high water flow is preferred.
Is Pacific Sturgeon peaceful or aggressive?
Pacific Sturgeon is classified as mostly peaceful with an aggression score of 3 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
Can Pacific Sturgeon live alone?
Yes, Pacific Sturgeon can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Is Pacific Sturgeon safe with shrimp?
No. Pacific Sturgeon is known to eat ornamental shrimp and is not recommended for shrimp tanks. Even larger shrimp species like Amano Shrimp may be at risk.
Will Pacific Sturgeon eat snails?
Yes. Pacific Sturgeon actively feeds on snails. While this can be useful for controlling pest snail populations, it means decorative snails should not be housed with this species.
Does Pacific Sturgeon have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Pacific Sturgeon benefits from sand (sifters) and smooth gravel (sensitive barbels) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Top Tank Mates for Pacific Sturgeon
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Pacific Sturgeon based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Northern Mountain Swordtail
Xiphophorus nezahualcoyotl
Ideal Tank MatesPearl Danio
Danio albolineatus
Ideal Tank MatesMurray River Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia fluviatilis
Ideal Tank MatesMountain Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia monticola
Ideal Tank MatesLake Tebera Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia herbertaxelrodi
Ideal Tank MatesMacCulloch's Rainbowfish (Dwarf Rainbowfish)
Melanotaenia maccullochi
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Pacific Sturgeon
These plants pair well with Pacific Sturgeon based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
African Water Fern
Bolbitis heudelotii
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Belinda's Buce
Bucephalandra belindae
Buce Motleyana
Bucephalandra motleyana
Christmas Moss
Vesicularia montagnei
Fish Similar to Pacific Sturgeon
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