Fin's Fish Guide
The Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii) is a freshwater fish of the family Acipenseridae that grows up to 200 cm.
Fresh water of Siberia, in the large rivers Ob, Yenisei and Lena and in Lake Baikal; a potamodromous migratory fish that migrates within fresh water to spawn.
Description
The Siberian sturgeon is a large freshwater sturgeon of the family Acipenseridae reaching about 2 metres. It has a pointed snout with smooth barbels beneath it to probe the bottom, and like all sturgeons bears five lengthwise rows of bony plates instead of ordinary scales. Unlike many relatives it is a pure freshwater fish: it lives in the great Siberian rivers Ob, Yenisei and Lena and in Lake Baikal, and migrates upstream within fresh water to spawn. On the bottom it eats insect larvae, worms, molluscs and small fish. It grows slowly and matures late. For its flesh and caviar it is widely farmed, but wild populations are Endangered (EN) through overfishing and dams.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Siberian sturgeon?
The Siberian sturgeon has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Large freshwater sturgeon with a pointed snout, smooth barbels and five rows of bony plates; lives in the large Siberian rivers and Lake Baikal.
Where does the Siberian sturgeon live?
The Siberian sturgeon lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Fresh water of Siberia, in the large rivers Ob, Yenisei and Lena and in Lake Baikal; a potamodromous migratory fish that migrates within fresh water to spawn.
How big does the Siberian sturgeon get?
The Siberian sturgeon grows to a maximum of about 200 cm.
Is the Siberian sturgeon dangerous to humans?
No, the Siberian sturgeon is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Siberian sturgeon edible?
Yes, the Siberian sturgeon is a highly prized food fish.
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Easily confused with
These species look like the Siberian sturgeon and live in the same waters.
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All data
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Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Acipenser
More from the family Acipenseridae
Want the complete picture on the Siberian sturgeon?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Siberian sturgeon is one of 12,519 species in the app.