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Yangtze sturgeon (Acipenser dabryanus) — Acipenseridae

Yangtze sturgeon

Acipenser dabryanus
Family: Acipenseridae
CR · Critically Endangered

The Yangtze sturgeon (Acipenser dabryanus) is a freshwater fish of the family Acipenseridae that grows up to 250 cm.

Length
250 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: China, Korea (North), Korea (South)
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Yangtze sturgeon is a freshwater sturgeon (Acipenseridae) endemic to the Yangtze River system in China. The species can grow to about 2.5 metres and has an elongate body with bony back plates, a pointed snout and four barbels before an underslung, protrusible mouth. As a bottom-dweller it searches for worms, insect larvae, molluscs and small fish. Through dams, pollution and overfishing the species is critically endangered and almost wholly dependent on breeding programmes. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Yangtze sturgeon?

The Yangtze sturgeon has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Yangtze sturgeon live?

The Yangtze sturgeon lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: China, Korea (North), Korea (South)

How big does the Yangtze sturgeon get?

The Yangtze sturgeon grows to a maximum of about 250 cm. On average the species is around 32 cm.

Is the Yangtze sturgeon dangerous to humans?

No, the Yangtze 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 Yangtze sturgeon edible?

Yes, the Yangtze sturgeon is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Yangtze sturgeon sourced
Scientific name
Acipenser dabryanus
Family
Acipenseridae
Other names
River sturgeon; Sturgeon; Yangtze Sturgeon; Yangtze sturgeon; Dabry's Sturgeon verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
250.0 verified
Average length (cm)
31.8 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced
Barbels
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Asia: China, Korea (North), Korea (South) sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
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. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Acipenser

More from the family Acipenseridae

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