Adriatic sturgeon
📖 Overview
Occurs in the sea close to shore and estuaries, not entering pure marine waters. In freshwater, it inhabits large deep rivers . A long-lived species which is found mainly over sand and mud. Feeds on bottom-living invertebrates and small fishes. Reproduction takes place from May to July. Is threatened by habitat destruction, pollution and overfishing . The flesh is used for food and eggs used for caviar production .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 36 - 48; Anal soft rays: 24 - 31. Snout moderate, very broad and rounded at tip. Lower lip continuous, interrupted at center. Barbels nearer to tip of snout than to mouth and not touching it. Five rows of scutes, dorsal 10-14 (the middle ones deeper and usually larger than those at front), lateral 32-42 on each side, ventral 8-11 on each side, with no smaller plates between dorsal and lateral rows. Back is olivaceous brown, flanks lighter, belly white.: elongated; Cross section: circular.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Adriatic sturgeon is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Adriatic sturgeon is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Enters rivers from March to May, and presumably spawns then.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; freshwater; brackish; demersal; anadromous ; depth range 10 - 40 m . Temperate; 46°N - 37°N, 10°E - 20°E Recorded from Corfu; present in lowermost part of Adriatic rivers from Soca to Drin.
🌿 Ecology
bottom-living invertebrates and small fishes
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Acipenser Naccarii 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 | 17.5 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 330 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Adriatic sturgeon has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
No observations yet - be the first to log one!
View all observations for Adriatic sturgeon ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.
Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.