Beluga Sturgeon

[edit] Species Name:

Beluga Sturgeon

[edit] Common Names:

also known as Great Sturgeon,

[edit] Scientific Name:

(Huso huso)

[edit] Family or Group:

is a species of anadromous fish in the sturgeon family Acipenseridae of order Acipenseriformes.

[edit] Basic Description:

This ancient fish has an elongated body shape and a flattened, slightly upturned snout, with the mouth located underneath. There are five rows of scutes that run the length of the body, one along the back, one on each flank and two on the undersurface. The short, fleshy barbels in front of the mouth are feathered at the ends. The body is predominantly dark grey or greenish whilst the belly tends to be white.

[edit] Size:

The Beluga sturgeon is one of the world's largest fish...reaching lengths upwards of 20 feet and weights of almost two tons.

[edit] Distribution and Habitat:

It lives only in Europe, inhabiting the Caspian and Black Seas, and running up their larger tributaries to spawn.

[edit] Habits:

[edit] Angling Value:

The eggs of this fish become the highly prized Beluga caviar, and are the reason why it has been overfished to the point of scarcity throughout its range.

[edit] Best Angling Methods:

[edit] Table Quality:

[edit] Commercial Value:

The Beluga sturgeon is taken mostly by commercial netters, but some international anglers pursue it for its great size, willingness to take a bait and its strong fight.

[edit] Notes:

--TubeDude 10:34, 6 March 2008 (CST)