Yup Shovelnose are cool!!! I just wasn't sure if you made a type-o and didn't realise I am getting SHORTnose! LOL My purpose for the sturgeon I want to deal with is for ornamental ponds, which by legal definition in our fishing regs in Ontario is considered an "aquarium" .
You are so correct about their biology making them a much better aquarium or pond choice. They are just not available to me. I would not be adverse to getting a few if it became a possibility!!!
My concerns would be them getting through our long cold Canadian winters!!!![]()
There are hatcheries here in the states that breed them but they are mostly government run hatcheries, the other sturgeons we get are bred for caviar, the shovelnose isn't really in demand for that purpose but they are bred as fish to be repatriated into their old ranges.
I think this hatchery breeds them but only if the buyer buys the entire spawn.
http://www.osagecatfisheries.com/index.asp