1. Introduction
【Child】: Professor, have you ever heard of a legendary creature called Acipenser bevestel, which is said to look like a creature in a famous 20th-century painting called “Swans Reflecting Elephants” by Salvador Dalí, but underwater? They say it’s a mysterious fish to add to an aquarium collection.
【Professor】: Ah, my curious young friend, you’re talking about the sturgeon, which belongs to the Acipenseridae family. The Acipenser bevestel is one species among them. They are unique fish and present both ancient and modern characteristics. In this article, we will dive into their characteristics, habitat, husbandry requirements, behavior, breeding methods, and cautions to consider when keeping them in an aquarium. Are you ready to take the plunge into the world of Acipenser bevestel?
2. Characteristics
【Child】: So, Professor, how do these watery “Swans Reflecting Elephants” look? I wonder if they have the gentle curves of a swan or the powerful presence of an elephant.
【Professor】: A poetic description indeed! Well, Acipenser bevestel indeed has a unique appearance. They have elongated bodies, flattened snouts, and rows of bony plates (called scutes) running along their sides and back. Their color ranges from grayish-blue to light brown, which allows them to blend into their surroundings. These fish can grow quite large, reaching up to several meters in length!
【Child】: I imagine they must look like armored knights swimming gallantly under the water!
【Professor】: Haha, yes! Their scutes do give them a somewhat medieval appearance.
3. Habitat
【Child】: So where do these noble and ancient knights live? Do they reside in the underwater castle of Atlantis or the shadows under moonlit lily pads?
【Professor】: Not quite as romantic, but they live in various parts of the world, including rivers, lakes, and even seas. Sturgeons primarily prefer cold, freshwater ecosystems, but some can tolerate brackish and even marine environments. In the wild, Acipenser bevestel plays a critical role in the ecosystem, as both predator and prey.
When recreating their natural habitat in an aquarium, ensure a spacious, cold-water environment with hiding spots and moderate water flow. Keep in mind that due to their size and the environment they require, they are better suited for larger, public aquariums rather than home tanks.
4. Husbandry Requirements
【Child】: So, in order to keep the elegant and mysterious Acipenser bevestel well, what special magic spells and potions do they require? Perhaps a touch of Elixir of Life to flourish?
【Professor】: While not as fantastical as you described, providing proper care is crucial. Acipenser bevestel requires cold water, ideally between 50 to 65°F (10 to 18°C). Water quality must be maintained with a stable pH around 6.5–8.0 and moderate hardness. A large tank with ample swimming space is necessary.
Regarding food, Acipenser bevestel has a varied diet in the wild, including small fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and other aquatic invertebrates. In an aquarium setting, they can be fed a balanced diet of high-quality pellets, live, and frozen foods.
5. Behavior
【Child】: Do the Acipenser bevestel gather like an underwater council of knights, sharing tales of valor and feasting on the spoils of victory?
【Professor】: Haha! Your imagination knows no bounds. Acipenser bevestel isn’t particularly social, but they may gather together in groups at times. They are not aggressive towards other fish, although their large size may frighten smaller species. These sturgeons are bottom-dwelling fish that search for food using their tube-like mouth, often during dawn or dusk.
6. Breeding
【Child】: And what about the birth of new knights? Do they arise from a magical whirlpool or the depths of an ancient underwater cave?
【Professor】: Not quite. During the breeding season, they migrate to spawning grounds in freshwater rivers. Males release sperm, and females lay their eggs on the riverbed. However, Acipenser bevestel is not easily bred in captivity due to their specific environmental requirements and migratory patterns.
7. Cautions
【Child】: Is there anything I should be wary of whilst watching over these valiant Acipenser bevestel? Do dragons lie ahead?
【Professor】: Maybe not dragons, but you should be aware that Acipenser bevestel can be sensitive to changes in water quality and temperature. They are best kept with other cold-water species of similar size and temperament.
8. Conclusion
【Child】: The journey into the world of the sturgeon has been as fascinating as the tales of King Arthur himself!
【Professor】: Indeed, Acipenser bevestel may prove to be a unique addition to a large, public aquarium that can meet their requirements. As caretakers of these ancient knights, we must ensure their appropriate environment and care are provided, allowing them to continue their graceful underwater gallantry.