Following a dedicated research program conducted by Tetra's Research& Development department, it is now clear that not only do sterlets have special environmental needs, but also very different nutritional requirements. In fact, much of the reasons for the difficult in caring for them have probably been down to them receiving the wrong nutrition.
Nutritional requirements:
A study of existing sinking diets on the market, which are formulated for all bottom feeders (including tench and catfish), showed that they can result in the deterioration of the internal organs. This will then make the fish more vulnerable to stress and disease. Because of the uniqueness of sterlet and sturgeon biology, it is impossible to have a diet suited to their needs as well as tench and catfish.
Some key differences between the needs of sterlets and other pond fish include:
Intolerance of high carbohydrate levels, which are generally quite high in normal pond diets.
A narrow oesophagus (throat) which makes it harder for them to readily accept normal sticks and pellets.
A natural diet consisting of nutrient-rich foods such as crustaceans, insect larvae and molluscs, as opposed to the more omnivorous diet enjoyed by other pond fish.
TetraPond Sterlet Sticks:
Because of these differences, Tetra's Sterlet Sticks have been formulated just for sturgeon and sterlets, and not for any other fish. They have been extensively tested to ensure they deliver a diet that keeps these fish in optimal health and condition, both internally and externally. Some key features of the diet are:
Small, sinking sticks to meet physical feeding requirements of sterlets.
Low carbohydrate level to avoid liver degeneration.
Increased and correctly balanced protein and oil levels to reflect natural diet.
Low waste formula to ensure good health with minimal water pollution.
TetraPond Sterlet Sticks are the first diet to be properly formulated for sturgeon kept in ponds, and will keep your fish in excellent health and condition.
