@Summer Tanager It's really different! The docent wasn't sure if they get released into the wild when they get too big, but they must go somewhere. There is one huge sturgeon in the aquarium building.
I don't think that I've ever seen a touch-tank with sturgeons! There are several federal and state fish hatcheries that raise sturgeons, including Pallid, Lake, and Shovel-nosed, but I've never seen them like this. I love the concept if it's not too hard on the fish.
@Summer Tanager I haven't either, or heard of them being a touch tank species. I didn't touch them (I was tired and didn't feel like going through the whole hand washing thing), but they seemed indifferent to others putting their hands in.
I was just at OdySea Aquarium (Arizona) a couple of weeks ago, and I was surprised to see an open-topped touch tank for Russian Sturgeon. Maybe this will be the latest zoo/aquarium fad?
Here in town we've always had a festival where the fad is live sturgeon you can touch, so I'm not shocked this is becoming more common as it is one of the coolest things I ever done as a kid (this year had even more animals around, plenty of native reptiles and amphibians as well as a great horned owl and bald eagle. Gave rise to a similarly unique "touch the black rat snake", which I'm sure must have helped at least one person get over fears as it was super docile.)
I love it - this sounds like a great fad! I'm eager to support it! This is a potentially long-lived group of fish, so who ever goes down the road of a sturgeon touch-tanks should be prepared!
Shedd has had a Sturgeon touch tank in its 'at home on the great lakes' gallery for many years now. Like giant isopod touch tanks, its a welcome change of pace.
@Summer Tanager That's why I was thinking they release them, between the lifespan and size they get to. At least with this species, since they're native.
