Kaluga (sturgeon)

The kaluga (Huso dauricus), or river sturgeon, is a large sturgeon from the genus Huso. It is critically endangered and hunted for its caviar, just like the beluga.

A Kaluga in an aquarium in Japan

Description

The kaluga has a triangular head with several bony plates. It has a small tail and scutes on its body. It is also known for its sharp rostrum.

Conversation

The kaluga sturgeon is declining due to poaching. This has decreased the species to an unmanageable rate. There are conservation attempts to save this sturgeon.

Gallery

Mounted kaluga specimen in Khabarovsk Regional Museum, (3.5 m, 250 kg)

References

1. Qiwei, W.; Mugue, N. (2022). "Huso dauricus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
2. "Kaluga Sturgeon". NOAA Fisheries.

Other websites

• https://thewebsiteofeverything.com/animals/fish/Acipenseriformes/Acipenseridae/Huso-dauricus
• Kaluga and Amur sturgeon habitat map (from WWF)