Chinese Sturgeon Aquarium

Introduction

The Chinese Sturgeon Aquarium is situated on the islet in Xiaoxita in Yichang. Built in 1982, the institute is using artificial breeding techniques to try to preserve this endangered species.

The Chinese sturgeon used to swim to the upper reaches of the Yangzi to spawn then carried its fry back to the lower reaches. The damming of the Yangzi has blocked the sturgeon’s route.

The Chinese sturgeon has existed for 140 million years and is thought to have lived at the same time as dinosaurs. The fish can grow up to 4 meters (13ft) in length, weigh up to 500kg and is the largest of all species of sturgeon