Starry Sturgeon

Acipenser stellatus

Acipenser stellatus, commonly known as the starry sturgeon, is native to the Caspian, Aegean, Black, and Azov sea basins. Starry sturgeon can grow over 7 feet long, but they're nowhere near the longest members of the Acipenser family! This fish gets its name from the white scales along its lateral line and the white tips of the scutes that run along its back, all of which stand out like stars against its otherwise dark coloring. This sturgeon enjoys a diet of worms, mollusks, crustaceans, and small fish. Currently, this fish is listed on the IUCN Red List as critically endangered, as it is one of the primary species harvested for caviar.

A. stellatus has many common names. In Russia and the surrounding Eurasian countries, it is called sevruga - from the Old Turkic sivrüg, meaning 'sharpened or pointed'. In Farsi and Turkish it is known by the name uzun burun, meaning 'long nosed'. In English-speaking countries this fish is called either the starry or stellate sturgeon.

"Starry Sturgeon (Acipenser stellatus) Fish in Aquarium" by Tatiana Belova (shutterstock)

A. stellatus painted by me :)