Wild-spawned Chinese sturgeon achieve population breakthrough
2026-03-01 19:03:38
By Yan Wanqin
In a significant advancement for the recovery of the wild Chinese sturgeon population, the first batch of fry conceived through natural mating of artificially-bred parent fish in the Yangtze River is thriving.
More than 20 juveniles, each about 10 centimeters long, are now able to self-feed at the China Three Gorges Corporation's rare fish breeding base in Yichang.
"They are in excellent physical condition and show strong vitality," said Zhang Dezhi, a senior engineer at the base. He noted that a strict care protocol is in place, ensuring water quality and temperature remain optimal for the juveniles' development. The fish are fed disinfected biological feed to support healthy growth.
The Chinese sturgeon is one of the oldest vertebrates on Earth, with a history of over 140 million years. It was listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 2010.
In a significant advancement for the recovery of the wild Chinese sturgeon population, the first batch of fry conceived through natural mating of artificially-bred parent fish in the Yangtze River is thriving.
More than 20 juveniles, each about 10 centimeters long, are now able to self-feed at the China Three Gorges Corporation's rare fish breeding base in Yichang.
"They are in excellent physical condition and show strong vitality," said Zhang Dezhi, a senior engineer at the base. He noted that a strict care protocol is in place, ensuring water quality and temperature remain optimal for the juveniles' development. The fish are fed disinfected biological feed to support healthy growth.
The Chinese sturgeon is one of the oldest vertebrates on Earth, with a history of over 140 million years. It was listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 2010.
The first batch of Chinese sturgeon conceived in man-made environment in the Yangtze River have reached a length of 10 centimeters. Photo by Zhang Dezhi.
This achievement stems from a "controlled natural spawning experiment" in the Yangtze River. From late November to early December 2025, scientists from the China Three Gorges Corporation selected a site downstream of the Gezhouba Dam to simulate a natural spawning ground.
The team modified the riverbed by excavating an open channel and used flow simulation techniques to enhance water dynamics, creating a suitable breeding environment. They released 25 mature Chinese sturgeon, all bred in captivity, into the prepared site.
After adjusting to the water temperature and flow, the fish displayed natural courtship behaviors, including chasing and accompanying each other, which led to spawning and fertilization. Sensor data later confirmed successful reproduction. Researchers collected over 300 fertilized eggs, which were transported to the breeding base for hatching and rearing.
The research team is monitoring the health and development of this juvenile cohort and will analyze data from the experiment to guide future habitat restoration and population recovery efforts for the Chinese sturgeon in the Yangtze River.
