(April 23, 2010 Hong Kong) Ten Chinese sturgeons arrived safely at Ocean Park today, after a 16-hour journey from Xiamen. They are in good conditions and are adapting well to the environment. After a one-month quarantine period, the Chinese Sturgeons will greet the public at the new Chinese Sturgeon Aquarium – Yangtze Exploration which is expected to open in early June.
The Chinese Sturgeons commenced their journey yesterday afternoon as part of the Chinese Sturgeon Release Ceremony in Xiamen which saw 108 Chinese Sturgeons released back to the oceans, an event sponsored by Ocean Park Hong Kong and co-organized with China’s National Aquatic Wildlife Conservation Association.
The ten Chinese Sturgeons coming to Hong Kong range from 2 – 10 years old and are 0.8m – 2.0m in length (0.8m x 2, 1.2m x 2, 1.5- 1.6m x 3, 1.8m x 2 and 2.0m x 1). Sturgeons’ sex remains undetermined until they have fully matured by age 12 – 15. Even at that point, it is not discernable through exterior appearance and can only be confirmed through dissection or ultrasound.
Ocean Park’s Executive Director of Zoological Operations and Education, Suzanne Gendron, said, “The transportation process went very smoothly and the Chinese Sturgeons have arrived healthy and active. During the 16-hour journey, our aquarists maintained close monitor on the fish and conducted checks on dissolved oxygen and water temperature at regular intervals to ensure the water condition was maintained at the most optimal level.” Suzanne added, “The Chinese Sturgeons will now undergo a one-month quarantine period, during which they will acclimate to the new freshwater aquarium under the care and close attention of our marine professionals. We have also invited researchers from Yangtze River Fishery Research Institute, the Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences and Beijing Aquarium to join our team who will provide additional support and husbandry assistance to us in the next few weeks to ensure the Chinese Sturgeons have a smooth acclimatization process.”
In May, other unique freshwater species from the Yangtze River such as Chinese suckers, largemouth bronze gudgeons, Chinese spined barbs and white barbel fish will also join the Chinese Sturgeons in succession to complete the collection which will be showcased at the new Chinese Sturgeon Aquarium – Yangtze Exploration in early June. Together, they will serve as important ambassadors to promote conservation messages about aquatic life in the Yangtze River, as well as the importance of conserving water resources.
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