Sick Sturgeon: Gasping, Curved Posture – Water Quality and Gill Damage

Sick Sturgeon: Gasping, Curved Posture – Water Quality and Gill Damage

A sturgeon found lying on its back, moved to a hospital tank with pump and airstone. It hangs in a curve, gills and mouth moving constantly (gasping). Survived night but condition unchanged.

Urgent Diagnostics

1. Test pond water for pH, hardness, ammonia, nitrite, dissolved oxygen.
2. Check for chlorine, pesticides, fertilizers if recent runoff or treatment.

Supportive Care

• Maximize aeration in hospital tank (air stone, surface agitation).
• Pond salt at 0.1% (1 g/L) if no plants – reduces osmotic stress.
• Antibiotics (broad-spectrum) for possible bacterial gill disease.
• Parasite treatment if gill flukes suspected (praziquantel).

Prognosis

Gasping indicates severe respiratory distress. If other pond fish are healthy, it may be an individual issue (gill damage, congenital defect). Sturgeons are sensitive; specialist veterinary care is ideal.