Sturgeon Fish Breeding: Types, Advantages, and Disadvantages

The catch of wild sturgeon in the Caspian Lake has significantly decreased during the past 30 years due to overexploitation of these fish species. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) list, sturgeons now have the greatest percentage of endangered species.

The world’s demand for caviar has surged due to the depletion of wild caviar sources and the ban on their exploitation, which has caused the price of caviar to soar. The market entry of sturgeon farming has been made possible by these circumstances. This is why a 30 gram beluga caviar has a high price.

The process used to raise sturgeon and harvest their eggs is a major factor in distinguishing farmed caviar from wild caviar. Thus, the method used to raise sturgeon has a big impact on the finished product’s quality. We shall go into great detail about the stages of sturgeon breeding and its advantages in the upcoming post. Fans of high-quality farmed caviar can visit the Shah Caviar online store to purchase original Iranian Beluga caviar.

Question: Which types of sturgeon fish are suitable for breeding?

The finest caviar is made from sturgeon fish, sometimes known as “diamond fish.” While other countries also market caviar manufactured from fish roe (shpel fish is the Iranian term for fish eggs other than sturgeon eggs).

There are now about 27 species of sturgeon known to exist. The following are some of the best and most suitable for the extraction and raising of caviar:

1. Beluga sturgeon caviar: The Caspian, Black, and Azov oceans are home to an abundance of beluga persian, whose caviar is among the best and most well-liked in the world. This fish may be raised in both river and well water, and it can withstand a broad variety of temperatures. However, because beluga caviar matures late and takes a long time to breed, there are restrictions on breeding this product.

2. Qararun (Iranian fish): Next in value to beluga fish is Qararun caviar, which is typically found in the southern Caspian Sea. Iranian fish, in contrast to beluga fish, mature early and grow quickly, making it possible to collect about 2 kg of caviar from mature fish.

3. Ozone Bron (Dracula): This popular type of fish is widely used for fish breeding and production. It is mostly found in the Caspian, Black, and Azov seas. It reaches full maturity at the age of six, and both its meat and caviar are highly protein-rich. Mature ozone may provide an average of 5.1 kilogram of caviar.

4. Shib (bare belly fish): This kind of fish, which is also often used to raise sturgeon, achieves sexual maturity between the ages of 9 and 12. Shib fish yield about 2.2 kg of high-quality caviar on average.

5. Astra Chalbash (Russian sturgeon or osetra sturgeon): The northern Caspian Sea regions are home to this type of sturgeon. An average sturgeon bred in Chalbash will yield three to five kilograms of caviare.

In addition to the aforementioned species, other fish such as Siberian catfish, Asterliad, Bed hybrid sturgeon (produced by the mating of asterliad and beluga fish), and others are good for breeding and extracting caviar.

Question: What conditions should be provided for breeding each sturgeon?

The effectiveness of producing sturgeon fish in breeding ponds depends heavily on compliance with the requirements. Most sturgeon species may be successfully bred at temperatures between 19 and 25 degrees Celsius.

While warmer water (not exceeding 35 degrees Celsius) can be used in pools with high water flow and oxygen, 28 degrees Celsius is the ideal temperature for clay pools, and the water should be changed every four to five days.

Growth inhibition can occur when fish are raised at temperatures that are noticeably higher or lower than usual. In addition, swimming pools should have water that is between 7 and 8.5 degrees acidic, with a salinity level of roughly 10 grains of salt per liter. Encouraging all varieties of sturgeon fish to breed requires the provision of appropriate habitats.

It is important to note that the amount of plant growth in breeding ponds is critical. Every year, breeders should harvest extra plants. Additionally, pool water can be disinfected by using two tons of lime per hectare.

Moreover, a sufficient supply of water oxygen—at least 6 mg—and a limited quantity of carbon dioxide—no more than 5 mg—are required. It’s crucial to remember that the buildup of newborn sturgeon on the pool bottom makes excessive water removal unwise. The following are, in general, the most important factors for each stage of sturgeon breeding:

1) Establishing a caviar breeding pond: Sturgeon can be raised using dense, semi-dense, extensive, and closed systems. Concrete or fiberglass pools are suitable for all methods. Semi-dense and extensive methods are commonly used in earthen ponds due to their larger size and space. The pool dimensions vary based on the chosen system. Fiberglass ponds are often preferred and provide advantages such as a smooth surface that prevents fish skin damage. Water can be sourced from springs, wells, aqueducts, rivers, or seas according to the pool’s density.

2) Preparing baby fish: There are two methods to obtain baby sturgeons for breeding:

• Breeding sturgeon larvae: After hatching from larvae, care must be taken to ensure proper development until the fish reach the juvenile stage. The ideal habitat for sturgeon larvae is a fiberglass pool that measures 1.7 x 1.7 x 0.5 and can hold 1200 pieces. These larvae can be moved to different breeding beds after they weigh three grams. – Purchasing sturgeon fingerlings: Alternatively, rather than enduring the difficulties of raising fish larvae, breeders may decide to buy sturgeon fingerlings directly. The species and meat quality of Norwegian sturgeon fish determine its price. For instance, because its meat and caviar are of superior quality, baby beluga fish are more expensive.

Question: What are the advantages and disadvantages of breeding sturgeon fish?

Advantages:

• Sturgeon breeding is a sustainable aquaculture technique that removes numerous dangers, including parasitic diseases of these fish, connected to the caviar purchasing and selling market system.
• Water recirculation made possible by breeding ponds gives breeders total control over the fish breeding environment while reducing the spread of disease. Sturgeon can also be used to produce a variety of goods, including meat, leather, caviar, and other consumables.

Disadvantages:

• The expensive cost of breeding ponds and related equipment, together with the absence of adequate infrastructure, are major disadvantages.

Because sturgeon mature later than other fish, breeding them takes a lengthy period of profitable operations.

• Sturgeon and other aquatic creatures are extremely vulnerable to pollution, germs, viruses, and parasites. It is therefore quite difficult to provide a suitable habitat for growing pricey species such as sturgeon.

Question: How much capital is necessary for caviar fish farming?

Establishing a spawning habitat for sturgeon fish is an expensive operation. Breeders would need to generate roughly 2 billion Tomans in order to prepare a small breeding pool. Because sturgeons mature slowly, it takes a long period for breeding them to turn a profit. However, starting the business with a team of five people and a water supply that has a temperature control system installed is sufficient.

Question: How much profit can be expected from caviar farming?

Even though building a breeding pond needs a substantial number of money, it is profitable due to the high cost of sturgeon caviar.

Source

Experience, Principles and Parameters in the Sturgeon Quality Assessment by Anomalies in Early Ontogenesis (A Review) – PMC (nih.gov)

(PDF) Sturgeon breeding as the basis for forming a food base in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation (researchgate.net)