Fin's Fish Guide
Amu Darya shovelnose sturgeon
The Amu Darya shovelnose sturgeon (Pseudoscaphirhynchus kaufmanni) is a brackish-water fish of the family Acipenseridae that grows up to 75 cm.
Description
The Amu Darya shovelnose sturgeon is a small sturgeon (Acipenseridae) endemic to the Amu Darya river in the Aral Sea basin of Central Asia. The species grows to about 75 cm and has an elongate body with bony back plates, a broad, shovel-shaped snout and four barbels before an underslung mouth. As a bottom-dweller it searches flowing river sections for insect larvae, molluscs and small fish. Through dams, water extraction and pollution the species is critically endangered and nearly gone. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Amu Darya shovelnose sturgeon?
The Amu Darya shovelnose sturgeon has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.
Where does the Amu Darya shovelnose sturgeon live?
The Amu Darya shovelnose sturgeon lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
How big does the Amu Darya shovelnose sturgeon get?
The Amu Darya shovelnose sturgeon grows to a maximum of about 75 cm.
Is the Amu Darya shovelnose sturgeon dangerous to humans?
No, the Amu Darya shovelnose sturgeon is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Amu Darya shovelnose sturgeon edible?
Yes, the Amu Darya shovelnose sturgeon is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Pseudoscaphirhynchus
More from the family Acipenseridae
Want the complete picture on the Amu Darya shovelnose sturgeon?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Amu Darya shovelnose sturgeon is one of 12,519 species in the app.