sturgeons

Sturgeons are a group of large, long‑lived fishes in the family Acipenseridae, within the order Acipenseriformes. They are among the oldest living ray‑finned fishes, with a fossil record dating back more than 100 million years. Native to the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, they inhabit large rivers, lakes, estuaries, and coastal waters in North America, Europe, and Asia.

Physically, sturgeons have elongated bodies, a heterocercal tail, and five rows of bony scutes along the body. They lack true scales and have a shovel‑like snout bearing barbels near the mouth, which is oriented on the underside. They rely on electroreceptors near the snout to locate prey.

Sturgeons are benthic feeders that consume invertebrates, mollusks, crustaceans, and small fish swept from the river bottom. Many species are migratory, with some undertaking long journeys between freshwater and marine environments to spawn.

Reproduction is external; females lay large numbers of eggs that adhere to the substrate. Individuals mature late and can live for several decades; ages at maturity range from roughly 8 to over 20 years depending on species, with lifespans often reaching 60–100 years.

Sturgeons are highly valued for their roe, particularly caviar, which has driven extensive fishing pressure. Habitat loss, dam construction, pollution, and overfishing have caused steep declines; several species are listed as threatened or endangered by the IUCN. Conservation efforts include trade restrictions, fishing quotas, restocking programs, and habitat restoration to preserve remaining populations.