Pacific Sturgeon

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.

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.

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 is best for a fishkeeper who wants a species that can settle into a calmer community setup and can provide someone who understands its individual space requirements. It makes the most sense for a hobbyist who will actually build around its needs, especially sand.

The most common mistake is treating Pacific Sturgeon like any other community fish and skipping the soft sand it needs to forage safely. Another frequent problem is forcing it into an over-busy community when it would do better with more room or more deliberate tankmate choices.

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.