Russian sturgeon

The Russian sturgeon (A. guldenstadtii) is a species of fish native to the temperate waters of the Northern Hemisphere, primarily found in the rivers of Russia and Ukraine, with populations extending eastward to Lake Baikal. These fish are known for their bony plates and a toothless mouth on the underside of their snout, equipped with barbels to search for food on the bottom.1

Russian sturgeons are highly valued for their flesh and, especially, their eggs, which are processed into caviar. They are typically found in rivers that feed into the Black and Caspian seas. Unfortunately, many sturgeon species, including the Russian sturgeon, are critically endangered due to overfishing, pollution, and habitat disruption from dam construction. The Russian fishing industry, which includes sturgeon, has historically been significant, with the Caspian sturgeon being a source of high-quality caviar.123