Sturgeons [Acipenseridae]

Description

Acipenseridae is a family of fish that includes the sturgeons. These are among the oldest fish families, known to have existed since the Upper Cretaceous period. They are large, slow-growing, and long-lived fish, characterized by their elongated bodies, lack of scales, and presence of bony scutes along the body. Sturgeons are primarily found in the Northern Hemisphere, in freshwater environments, but some species migrate to marine waters to feed. They are of significant commercial importance for their roe, which is processed into caviar. Conservation efforts are critical for many species within this family due to overfishing, habitat loss, and pollution.

Genera

Taxonomy