Danube sturgeon
📖 Overview
Anadromous and freshwater populations exist. At the sea, it occurs in shallow coastal and estuarine zones. In freshwaters, it inhabits deep parts of large rivers with moderate to swift current . Found mainly near the shore over sand and mud. Usually solitary, but swarms when hibernating or during spawning migrations. Occasionally forms schools . Feeds on benthic molluscs, crustaceans and small fishes. Spawns on stone or gravel bottom in large and deep rivers with strong current, 1-1.5 m/s . Mainly propagated through artificial reproduction.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 27 - 48; Anal soft rays: 16 - 35. Under the name A. g. colchicus. Lower lip not continuous, interrupted at center. Five rows of scutes: dorsal 7-19, lateral 24-44 on each side, ventral 6-13 on each side, with lines of smaller stellate bony plates between the dorsal and ventral rows. Color of back olivaceous grey, flanks lighter, and belly white.: elongated; Cross section: circular.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Danube sturgeon is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Under the name A. g. colchicus. Spawns in rivers. Natural spawning not extensive, maintained chiefly by artificial propagation. Enters rivers from April to June (a few in autumn).
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; freshwater; brackish; demersal; anadromous ; depth range 2 - 100 m, usually 10 - 25 m. Temperate; 10°C - 20°C ; 61°N - 35°N, 26°E - 54°E
🌿 Ecology
benthic molluscs, crustaceans and small fishes
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Danube sturgeon is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 17.4 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 342 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Danube sturgeon has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acipenser aculeatus | Lovetsky | 1834 | Synonym |
| Acipenser brevirostris | Heckel | 1836 | Synonym |
| Acipenser colchicus | Marti | 1940 | Synonym |
| Acipenser gueldenstadti colchica | Marti | 1940 | Synonym |
| Acipenser gueldenstadtii | Brandt & Ratzeburg | 1833 | Synonym |
| Acipenser gueldenstaedti acutirostris | Antipa | 1909 | Heterotypic |
| Acipenser gueldenstaedti colchicus | Marti | 1940 | Synonym |
| Acipenser gueldenstaedti golis | Antipa | 1909 | Synonym |
| Acipenser gueldenstaedti longirostris | Antipa | 1909 | Synonym |
| Acipenser gueldenstaedti scaber | Antipa | 1909 | Synonym |
| Acipenser gueldenstaedti tanaica | Marti | 1940 | Synonym |
| Acipenser gueldenstaedtii gueldenstaedtii | - | - | Synonym |
| Acipenser gueldenstaedtii scobar | Antipa | 1909 | Synonym |
| Acipenser gueldenstaedtii colchicus | Marti | 1940 | Synonym |
| Acipenser guldenstaedti | Brandt & Ratzeberg | 1833 | Heterotypic |
| Acipenser guldenstadti | Brandt & Ratzeberg | 1833 | Heterotypic |
| Acipenser macrophthalmus | Heckel | 1836 | Synonym |
| Acipenser medius | Heckel | 1836 | Synonym |
| Acipenser persicus colchicus | Arthyukin & Zarkua | 1986 | Synonym |
| Acipenser pygmaeus | Reisinger | 1830 | Heterotypic |
| Acipenser tuecka | Heckel | 1836 | Heterotypic |
| Acipenser tucka | Heckel | 1836 | Heterotypic |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 4 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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