Fin's Fish Guide
Russian sturgeon
The Russian sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Acipenseridae that grows up to 236 cm.
Basins of the Black Sea, the Sea of Azov and the Caspian Sea; an anadromous migratory fish that grows up at sea and ascends the large rivers such as the Danube, Volga and Don to spawn.
Description
The Russian sturgeon is a large sturgeon of the family Acipenseridae reaching about 2.3 metres, sometimes more. It has a short, blunt and somewhat upturned snout; beneath the snout hang smooth barbels with which it probes the bottom. Like all sturgeons it bears five lengthwise rows of bony plates instead of ordinary scales. It is an anadromous migrant of the Black, Azov and Caspian Sea basins, growing up at sea and ascending great rivers such as the Danube and Volga to spawn. On the bottom it eats molluscs, worms, crustaceans and small fish. Its roe yields the famous osetra caviar, for which it has been heavily overfished; together with river barriers this has made the species Critically Endangered (CR).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Russian sturgeon?
The Russian sturgeon has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Large sturgeon with a short, blunt, slightly upturned snout, smooth barbels and five rows of bony plates (scutes) along the body.
Where does the Russian sturgeon live?
The Russian sturgeon lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Basins of the Black Sea, the Sea of Azov and the Caspian Sea; an anadromous migratory fish that grows up at sea and ascends the large rivers such as the Danube, Volga and Don to spawn.
How big does the Russian sturgeon get?
The Russian sturgeon grows to a maximum of about 236 cm. On average the species is around 145 cm.
Is the Russian sturgeon dangerous to humans?
No, the Russian sturgeon is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Russian sturgeon edible?
Yes, the Russian sturgeon is a highly prized food fish.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Russian sturgeon and live in the same waters.
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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
Want the complete picture on the Russian sturgeon?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Russian sturgeon is one of 12,519 species in the app.