Abstract
Common names: Russian sturgeon (E), esturgeon Russe (F), Russkii osetr (R), nisetru (Ro), Ruska esetra (Bu), waxdick (G). Conservation status: The Russian sturgeon is in Appendix II of CITES and all stocks are considered endangered. IUCN also ranks all stocks as endangered. Identification: D 27‐51, A 18‐33 rays, dorsal scutes 8‐18, lateral scutes 24‐50 and ventral scutes 6‐13. Body elongated and spindle shaped with greatest depth usually just posterior to head. Rostrum varies greatly between stocks but generally between 4 to 6.5% of TL. Two pairs of barbels, originating closer t o the tip of snout than mouth. Mouth inferior with upper lip indented in the middle with lower lip interrupted. Degree of ossification variable but all rows of scutes remain rather prominent throughout life. Some individuals have a very prominent longitudinal row of laterodorsal scutlets between the row of dorsal and lateral scutes. These scutlets are somewhat rounded in A. gueldenstaedtii while more triangular in A. persicus. Entire skin surface is covered with small snowflake-like denticles. Postdorsal plates 0‐2 in pairs, post anal plates 1‐2. Russian sturgeon can exceptionally reach a weight of 100 kg but most large specimens t oday weigh approximately 60 kg and measure 200 cm in length. Average weight of migrants ranges from 10 to 25 kg (Chebanov personal communication). Color usually dark
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