Acipenser

Acipenser is a genus of fish in the family Acipenseridae. They are commonly known as sturgeons. These large fish are characterized by their elongated bodies, five rows of bony plates (scutes) along their bodies, and long, whisker-like barbels around their mouths. Sturgeons are ancient fish, dating back to the Late Cretaceous period, making them one of the oldest surviving fish lineages. They are found in the northern hemisphere, inhabiting both freshwater and brackish waters.

Adriatic sturgeon – Acipenser naccarii

Siberian sturgeon – Acipenser baerii

Shortnose sturgeon – Acipenser brevirostrum

White sturgeon – Acipenser transmontanus

Starry sturgeon – Acipenser stellatus

Sterlet sturgeon – Acipenser ruthenus

Lake sturgeon – Acipenser fulvescens

Common Names

Sturgeons are known by various common names, including:

  • Sturgeon
  • Sea Sturgeon
  • Freshwater Sturgeon
  • White Sturgeon
  • Green Sturgeon
  • Atlantic Sturgeon
  • Russian Sturgeon

Characteristics

Sturgeons are large fish, typically reaching lengths of 2 to 3 meters (6.5 to 10 feet). Some species, such as the Beluga sturgeon, can grow to over 7 meters (23 feet). They have a long, cylindrical body with a pointed snout. Their mouth is located on the underside of their head and is equipped with four barbels that help them sense food. Sturgeons have a unique skeleton that is primarily cartilaginous, rather than bony, which is a characteristic shared with other ancient fish groups like sharks and rays.

Environments

Sturgeons are found in a variety of environments, including rivers, lakes, estuaries, and coastal waters. They are typically found in cooler waters, and some species migrate long distances between freshwater and saltwater habitats.

References