Introduction
The sturgeon is a member of the Acipenseridae family. This family is made up of 27 different species, all found in the Northern Hemisphere. They are among the oldest families of fishes, dating back to the Late Cretaceous period over 100 million years ago.
Conservation Status
The sturgeon is currently listed as “critically endangered” on the IUCN Red List. They are threatened by overfishing, habitat loss, pollution, and illegal trade. Conservation efforts include habitat restoration, fishing regulations, and protection of spawning areas.
Statistics
| Average Length | 3.7 meters |
|---|---|
| Length Range | 2- 5 meters |
| Average Weight | 317.5 kg |
| Weight Range | 200 – 600 kg |
| Average Lifespan | 50-60 years |
Distribution
Sturgeons are found in the temperate waters of the Northern Hemisphere. They migrate up rivers to spawn. In freshwater, they are found in large rivers and lakes. In marine environments, they are found in coastal areas.
Habitats
Sturgeon prefer large bodies of water including rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. They thrive in both freshwater and saltwater environments and tend to inhabit areas with a water temperature range of 10 to 20 degrees Celsius.
When and Where to See
Sturgeons are most active during the colder months of the year, particularly in the fall and winter. During these times, they are more likely to be found in shallow waters near the shore.
Best Fishing Locations
Some of the top places to fish for sturgeon include:
- Lake Superior, USA/Canada
- Lake Baikal, Russia
- Frasier River, Canada
- Columbia River, USA
- Danube River, Austria
- Yellow River, China
- Amur River, Russia/China
- Volga River, Russia
- Amazon River, South America
- Mississippi River, USA
How to Catch
Sturgeon fishing requires patience, as they are not easy to hook. Bottom fishing with heavy tackle is the most commonly used method. Bait such as worms, shrimp, or small fish can attract the fish.
Identification Guide
Sturgeons have a unique appearance, with a long, pointed snout and a body covered with bony plates. They are typically gray or brown, and their undersides are usually white.
Culinary
Sturgeon meat is firm and mild in flavor, making it a popular choice for smoking and curing. In addition, their eggs are prized as caviar. Dishes such as smoked sturgeon and caviar-topped blinis are common ways to enjoy this fish.
Additional Information
Sturgeons are known for their unique feeding habits. They use their snouts to stir up the substrate, finding food like mollusks and crustaceans. They face threats from overfishing for their meat and caviar, as well as habitat destruction.
References and Further Reading
- FishBase – Sturgeon (link)
- NOAA Fisheries – Sturgeon (link)
- World Wildlife Fund – Sturgeon (link)
- The Sturgeon and Paddlefish Specialist Group (link)