Sick Sturgeon

Question
Yesterday I found one of my sturgeon lying on its back at the bottom of the pond, I've removed it to a separate tank with its own pump and airstone.  The sturgeon now justs seems to hang in a curve (gills and mouth going all the time as if gasping) it survived the night and is still in the same condition - any idea whats wrong with it.

Answer
I'm sorry about your sturgeon.  I don't know much about sturgeon specifically.  Severe problems swimming and breathing can be indicative of almost anything; they're often the last moments of a sick fish.  You should first rule out water quality by testing the pH, hardness, ammonia, nitrite, and oxygen in the pond.  To treat the ailing sturgeon, be sure the water is well aerated.  You may try treatment with antibiotics and/or pond salt.  When fish gasp, they're not getting enough oxygen either because there isn't much oxygen in the water (due to high temperatures and/or pollution), or there is some kind of damage to their gills.  Gill damage can result from chlorine, ammonia, poisons, pesticides, fertilizers, parasites, or bacterial problems - really most anything.  If the other fish in your pond seem ok, it's probably not something in the water but something wrong with this particular fish.  I'm afraid I don't have any other advice and have been deficient in my answer.  I still felt I should reply (they give us the option of saying the question is beyond or expertice).  I hope the sturgeon improves!

Robyn
fishpondinfo.com