Sturgeon

Sturgeon is a term for a genus of fish (Acipenser) of which 26 species are known. One of the oldest genera of fish in existence, they are native to European, Asian, and North American waters. Sturgeons ranging from 3-12 feet in length are by no means scarce, and some species grow up to 14 feet.

Sturgeon are bottom-feeders. With their projecting wedgeshaped snout they stir up the soft bottom, and by means of their sensitive barbels detect shells, crustaceans and small fish, on which they feed. Having no teeth, they are unable to seize larger prey.

Only a few of the species are exclusively confined to fresh water. Sturgeon are confined to the Northern Hemisphere and do not inhabit tropical regions.