Siberian Sturgeon

Identification

The Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii) is a medium-sized sturgeon reaching up to 2 metres, though specimens in the Netherlands are usually smaller (40-80 cm). The body has the typical five rows of bony plates. The snout is relatively short and broad compared to the European sturgeon. Colouration varies from dark grey to brown, with a lighter belly.

Ecology

In its native range (Siberian rivers), the Siberian sturgeon is anadromous or resident. The species feeds on bottom organisms: insect larvae, worms and small crustaceans. In Dutch waters, most specimens are escapes from aquaculture facilities or garden ponds and do not reproduce.

In the Netherlands

With 131 observations in our database, virtually all records concern aquaculture escapes. The Siberian sturgeon is widely farmed in Europe for caviar and meat, and regularly escapes from farms and ornamental ponds. The species is not native and there is no self-sustaining population in the Netherlands. Confusion with the protected European sturgeon is possible; identification requires careful inspection of the bony plates.