How to Identify Siberian Sturgeon

To identify Siberian Sturgeon (Acipenser baerii), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Dorsal surface typically dark grey to brownish-grey, fading to a lighter, often yellowish-white or cream ventral surface. Scutes are usually lighter in color, sometimes yellowish.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

inferior

Distinctive features

Five rows of bony scutes (dorsal, lateral, and ventral), Four barbels located closer to the tip of the snout than to the mouth, Inferior, protrusible mouth without teeth in adults, Heterocercal caudal fin (upper lobe longer than lower), Elongated, conical snout

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin located far back on the body, typically with 30-56 soft rays.

Tail fin

Heterocercal caudal fin, characteristic of primitive fish, with the vertebral column extending into the longer upper lobe.

Pectoral fin

Large, fan-shaped pectoral fins, often used for steering and maintaining position.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are abdominal, located far back on the body, posterior to the dorsal fin origin.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Snout and Barbels

   The snout is conical and relatively long. Four barbels are present, positioned closer to the tip of the snout than to the mouth opening. This is a key differentiator from some other sturgeon species.

2. 2

   Scute Count

   Count the number of dorsal scutes (typically 10-20), lateral scutes (32-59), and ventral scutes (7-16). These counts can help distinguish it from other sturgeon species.

3. 3

   Body Coloration

   Observe the overall coloration: dark grey to brownish-grey dorsally, lighter ventrally. The scutes are often lighter than the body color.

4. 4

   Mouth Position

   The mouth is inferior and protrusible, lacking teeth in adults, adapted for suction feeding on benthic organisms.

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