Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Diamond Sturgeon
Acipenser gueldenstaedtii
Also called Russian sturgeon, Danube sturgeon, Ossetra sturgeon, Waxdick, Huso gueldenstaedtii
From Native to the Caspian Sea, Black Sea and Sea of Azov and the rivers that feed them, across countries from Bulgaria and Romania to Russia, Iran and Kazakhstan.12
At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Scaleless sturgeon body with bony scutes
A large sturgeon with a fairly short, rounded snout and barbels set nearer the snout tip than the mouth. The upper body is greyish green, the plates along the sides are pale, and the belly is white.2
Personality what they are like
Mostly a loner, but it gathers in groups when overwintering and during spawning runs. A calm fish that forages along sandy or muddy bottoms.12
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Wild fish move between the sea and rivers and favour deep river stretches with moderate to swift currents, so it needs very generous swimming space.1
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Grows to well over a metre and lives for decades, so it is a fish for very large ponds and long-term keepers.12
Home where they are happiest
Cool fresh water; FishBase gives a range of about 10 to 20 °C, with a preferred band of roughly 11 to 16 °C. Likes soft sandy or muddy bottoms.1
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Carnivorous bottom feeder. In the wild it eats molluscs, crustaceans and small fish such as gobies, anchovies and sprats.12
Company who they like around
Usually solitary, but tolerant of company and seen in groups at certain times of year.12
The story where it all began
Named after the Baltic-German naturalist Johann Anton Güldenstädt, this sturgeon has long been one of the main sources of ossetra caviar. Today it is raised widely in fish farms.32
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
In 2019-2020, Hungarian researchers accidentally produced the 'sturddlefish', a cross between a Russian sturgeon and an American paddlefish.2
- 2
Subfossil remains from the Black Sea point to individuals that once reached about three metres long.3
- 3
The species name honours the 18th-century naturalist Johann Anton Güldenstädt.3
- 4
Like all sturgeons, it feels for food with its barbels and sucks it up with a toothless mouth.4
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Wild species assessed as Critically Endangered (14 September 2019); wild stocks are now kept up mainly by hatchery releases.1
- Aquaculture
- An important caviar species (ossetra) for the Russian industry.3
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Diamond Sturgeon. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- FeedingOnly in the warm seasonevery day
- Pond checkevery day
- Water testevery 2 weeks
- Filter cleanevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Diamond Sturgeon?
Feed your Diamond Sturgeon daily during the warm season, as Furry Diary's starting plan suggests. In cooler months, reduce or stop feeding because their metabolism slows. Always check with a vet for exact amounts. Pet Wiki plan
What does a Diamond Sturgeon eat, and what should it never eat?
Your Diamond Sturgeon is a carnivorous bottom feeder that enjoys molluscs, crustaceans, and small fish like gobies and sprats. Avoid any foods not designed for sturgeon, and ask your vet for a safe list of treats and foods to never give.12
How much space does a Diamond Sturgeon need?
This sturgeon grows over a metre long and needs very generous swimming space, so a large pond is essential. It favours deep stretches with moderate to swift currents, so give plenty of room to roam.1
What temperature, light or water does a Diamond Sturgeon need?
Keep the water cool and fresh, between 10 and 20°C, with a preferred range of 11 to 16°C. Provide a soft sandy or muddy bottom, and ensure good water quality with regular testing.1
How often should I clean a Diamond Sturgeon's home?
Furry Diary's plan suggests checking the pond daily, testing water every two weeks, and cleaning the filter monthly. Regular maintenance keeps your sturgeon healthy. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Diamond Sturgeon live with others?
Diamond Sturgeons are mostly loners but can tolerate company, especially during overwintering or spawning. They are calm fish that forage along the bottom, so they can share a large pond with similar peaceful species.12
How long does a Diamond Sturgeon live?
With proper care, your Diamond Sturgeon can live for decades, up to 46 years. It is a long-term commitment, so be prepared for a lifelong companion.1
Can I handle a Diamond Sturgeon?
Sturgeons are not fish to handle regularly; they are sensitive and can be stressed. If you need to move or examine your fish, always consult a vet or experienced keeper for safe methods.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
You might also like
Sterlet
Siberian SturgeonWhere this comes from
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.
- FishBase: Acipenser gueldenstaedtii fishbase.seused for range, size, weight, max age, temperature, habitat, diet, IUCN
- Wikipedia: Russian sturgeon en.wikipedia.orgused for names, range, size, appearance, diet, behaviour, sturddlefish
- Wikipedia (de): Waxdick de.wikipedia.orgused for names, size, caviar use, naming history
- Wikipedia: Sturgeon en.wikipedia.orgused for feeding anatomy
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.