Acipenser stellatus
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starry_sturgeon
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
The starry sturgeon faces severe population decline primarily due to overfishing for its highly valued caviar and meat, with illegal fishing continuing despite protective measures. Dam construction along major rivers has fragmented spawning habitats and blocked migration routes essential for reproduction. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial discharge has degraded water quality in both marine and freshwater environments where the species feeds and spawns.
Habitat
The starry sturgeon inhabits the Caspian, Black, and Azov Sea basins, spending most of its life in brackish and marine waters. It migrates into freshwater rivers including the Volga, Danube, and Dnieper for spawning, requiring clean gravel beds in flowing water for successful reproduction.
