STERLET
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Acipenseriformes
Family: Acipenseridae
Genus: Acipenser
Species: Acipenser ruthenus
The sterlet inhabits freshwater basins of the Black, Caspian, and Baltic Seas. It is found in the rivers Danube, Dniester, Dnipro, Volga, Ob, and Irtysh. In Ukraine, it occurs mainly in the Danube, Dniester, and Dnipro rivers. Unlike most sturgeons, it avoids brackish waters.
In the wild, the sterlet lives 20–25 years; in captivity, it can exceed 30 years under good conditions. Typically weighs 0.5–2 kg, but some individuals can reach up to 6 kg. Body length ranges from 40 to 120 cm, depending on habitat.
A bottom-dwelling freshwater fish leading a sedentary lifestyle. Spawning occurs in spring or early summer (at 10–15 °C). Females lay 15,000–45,000 eggs on rocky or sandy riverbeds. Sexual maturity occurs at 4–8 years. The species is highly tolerant of strong currents and cold waters. Benthic omnivore feeding mainly on insect larvae, small crustaceans, mollusks, worms, and detritus.
The sturgeon family dates back over 200 million years, making it one of the oldest vertebrate lineages. The sterlet is among the most primitive living sturgeons, retaining many ancestral features.
Highly valued since ancient times for its delicate meat and caviar. The sterlet is often mentioned in art and literature as a symbol of wealth and refinement. Today, it is bred in aquaculture for conservation and commercial purposes.
According to the IUCN, the sterlet is classified as “Vulnerable”. Major threats include poaching, pollution, and dam construction that disrupt migration. The species is listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine.
5 INTERESTING FACTS:
- The sterlet is the smallest sturgeon species.
- Its body is protected by five rows of bony scutes.
- Sensitive barbels help detect food in murky water.
- It is strictly freshwater and never enters the sea.
- The species is widely used in sturgeon breeding programs due to its successful reproduction in captivity
