The European sturgeon (Acipenser sturio) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Acipenseridae that grows up to 600 cm.
Description
The European sturgeon is an ancient, cartilage-rich fish of the family Acipenseridae that can reach about 5 to 6 metres and a hundred years of age. Instead of scales the elongate body bears five rows of large bony plates. The pointed snout has four barbels in front of a protrusible, inferior mouth, with which the fish probes the bottom for worms, shellfish, crustaceans and small fish. The sturgeon is anadromous: it lives along the Atlantic coast and once ran up large western European rivers such as the Rhine, Meuse and Gironde to spawn. Through dams, pollution and overfishing for its eggs (caviar) the species is almost extinct and assessed as Critically Endangered (CR); it now reproduces in only one French river. Reintroduction programmes are trying to bring it back.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the European sturgeon?
The European sturgeon has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern.
Where does the European sturgeon live?
The European sturgeon lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.
How big does the European sturgeon get?
The European sturgeon grows to a maximum of about 600 cm. On average the species is around 125 cm.
Is the European sturgeon dangerous to humans?
No, the European sturgeon is harmless to humans.
Is the European sturgeon edible?
The European sturgeon is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Acipenser
More from the family Acipenseridae
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