Acipenser persicus
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
The Persian sturgeon faces catastrophic population collapse primarily due to overfishing for its highly valuable caviar, with illegal fishing continuing despite protective measures. Dam construction along the Volga River system has severely disrupted spawning migrations, blocking access to traditional breeding grounds. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial discharge has degraded remaining spawning habitats, while climate change is altering water temperatures and flow patterns critical for reproduction.
Habitat
Persian sturgeons inhabit the brackish and marine waters of the Caspian Sea, migrating into freshwater rivers including the Volga, Ural, and Kura systems for spawning. They prefer deep waters with muddy or sandy bottoms and require specific temperature and flow conditions in riverine spawning habitats.
