Fin's Fish Guide
Starry sturgeon
The Starry sturgeon (Acipenser stellatus) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Acipenseridae that grows up to 250 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 Ural to reproduce.
Description
The starry sturgeon or sevruga is a large sturgeon of the family Acipenseridae reaching about 2.2 metres, sometimes more. The species is instantly recognised by its strikingly long, narrow, sword-shaped 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 worms, crustaceans, molluscs and small fish. Heavily overfished for its caviar (sevruga); the species is Critically Endangered (CR).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Starry sturgeon?
The Starry sturgeon has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Sturgeon with a strikingly long, narrow, sword-shaped snout, smooth barbels and five rows of bony plates (scutes) along the body.
Where does the Starry sturgeon live?
The Starry 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 Ural to reproduce.
How big does the Starry sturgeon get?
The Starry sturgeon grows to a maximum of about 250 cm. On average the species is around 125 cm.
Is the Starry sturgeon dangerous to humans?
No, the Starry sturgeon is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Starry sturgeon edible?
Yes, the Starry sturgeon is a highly prized food fish.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Starry 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 Starry sturgeon?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Starry sturgeon is one of 12,519 species in the app.