Why is the beluga sturgeon important in the caviar trade?

The beluga sturgeon (Huso huso) is significant in the caviar trade primarily because it produces the largest and most highly prized grade of sturgeon eggs. These eggs are typically black or gray in color.12

Because fresh beluga caviar is relatively scarce, it is considered a luxury item and is typically very expensive. While the beluga is a massive fish—reaching lengths of up to 8 meters (26.2 feet)—it is worth noting that its flesh and caviar are sometimes considered less valuable than those of smaller sturgeon species.123

Due to the high demand for its roe, the beluga sturgeon has faced significant pressure from overfishing and environmental changes, such as the construction of dams that block its natural spawning routes in rivers like the Volga. Consequently, like many other sturgeon species, the beluga is now subject to conservation concerns, and a large portion of the Caspian sturgeon population is currently bred artificially to support the industry and protect the species.34