| Sterlet | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Acipenseriformes |
| Family: | Acipenseridae |
| Genus: | Acipenser |
| Species: | A. ruthenus |
| Binomial name | |
| Acipenser ruthenus | |
 | |
| Range ofA. ruthenus Resident Extinct | |
| Synonyms[3][4] | |
List
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Thesterlet (Acipenser ruthenus) is a relatively small species ofsturgeon fromEurasia native to large rivers that flow into theBlack Sea,Azov Sea, andCaspian Sea, as well as rivers inSiberia as far east asYenisei. Populations migrating between fresh and salt water (anadromous) have beenextirpated.[1] It is also known as thesterlet sturgeon.
Due tooverfishing (for its flesh,caviar, andisinglass), pollution, and dams, the sterlet has declined throughout its native range and is consideredvulnerable by theIUCN.[1] Restocking projects are ongoing, and it has beenintroduced to some regions outside its native range, but the latter have generally not become self-sustaining.[1] Today, the majority of the international trade involves sterlets fromaquaculture.[1]
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The sterlet's main source of food isbenthic organisms; they commonly feed oncrustaceans,worms, and insectlarvae.[5]
The sterlet commonly reaches the age of 22 to 25 years. Males reach sexual maturity at 3–7 years old and females at 4–12 years old. Spawning occurs from the middle of April to the beginning of June. Females may lay from 15,000 to 44,000 eggs, at water temperatures preferably 12–17 °C (54–63 °F).
Sterlets require relatively large ponds with good water conditions, and may get entangled in plants such asblanketweed. They may require special food such as sterlet sticks, as they are unable to digest the vegetable proteins usually found in commercial fish foods.[citation needed]
In Russia, it is held in high esteem on account of its excellent flesh, contributing also to the best kinds of caviar andisinglass.[citation needed]
The sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus in Linnaeus' classification) is the last of the five native sturgeon species inhabiting the Middle and Upper Danube River. Its population has dropped significantly, mainly due to the degradation of main habitats, spawning grounds and foraging grounds.[6]
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