Identification
A large sturgeon with an elongated body, rows of bony plates and barbels below its snout.
When to look
River access and migration are central to its life cycle; this is not a predictable boat-tour sighting.
Where to look
The Black Sea and connected lower-Danube river habitats form part of its migratory environment.
Behaviour and ecology
Food and nutrition
Larger individuals feed extensively on fish.
Breeding and life cycle
Adults migrate into rivers to spawn. Barriers and loss of suitable habitat interrupt this connection.
A closer look
Conserving a migratory fish requires protecting connected habitats, not just one observation site.
Observation and photography
Learn through conservation projects and lawful observations. Never buy wildlife products of uncertain origin.
Sources and further reading
Observe without collecting, handling or damaging the habitat. Fungi accounts are not a guide to edible mushrooms.