Acipenser baerii, commonly known as the Siberian sturgeon, is a large fish species belonging to the family Acipenseridae. It is a distinctive fish, characterized by its elongated, torpedo-shaped body, five rows of bony plates along its back and sides, and a long, pointed snout. The Siberian sturgeon is an important species for fisheries and is also prized for its caviar.
Description & Characteristics
Acipenser baerii is a large fish, reaching a maximum size of 200.0 cm. Its body is elongated and torpedo-shaped, with a long, pointed snout. The mouth is located on the underside of the head and is equipped with four barbels. The Siberian sturgeon has five rows of bony plates, called scutes, that run along its back and sides. These scutes are a distinctive feature of this species. The dorsal fin is located near the tail and is small and triangular. The anal fin is also small and located close to the tail. The caudal fin is heterocercal, meaning that the upper lobe is larger than the lower lobe. The body is typically grayish-brown in color, with a lighter underside.
Habitat and Occurrence
Acipenser baerii is a freshwater fish that typically inhabits rivers, lakes, and estuaries. They are found in a variety of habitats, including the Ob River, the Yenisei River, the Lena River, and Lake Baikal in Siberia. Acipenser baerii is a benthopelagic fish, meaning that it lives near the bottom of the water column. Its depth range extends from the surface to 200.0 meters.
Taxonomy
The species Acipenser baerii belongs to the Class: Chondrostei, Order: Acipenseriformes, and Family: Acipenseridae. The Class Chondrostei is a group of ancient fishes characterized by a cartilaginous skeleton. The Order Acipenseriformes comprises sturgeons and paddlefish, which are all characterized by their elongated bodies, bony plates, and long snouts. The Family Acipenseridae consists of sturgeons, which are a group of large, migratory fishes that are found in temperate and cold waters.
Feeding
Acipenser baerii is a bottom feeder that primarily feeds on invertebrates, such as worms, crustaceans, and mollusks. They use their long snouts to probe the bottom of the water column for food. They also consume some small fish and plants.
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