Author: Pallas, 1771
FBname: Starry sturgeon
Comments: At the sea, it occurs in coastal and estuarine zones and forages on the bottom mostly on clayey sand and intensively in the middle and upper water layers (Ref.  59043).  Found mainly near shore over sand and mud, stays at the bottom during the day and rises to the surface to feed at night.  Feeds mainly on fish, also mollusks, crustaceans and worms (Ref. 3193).  Spawns in strong-current habitats in main course of large and deep rivers, on stone or gravel bottom.  Spawning also takes place on flooded river banks and if gravel bottom is not available, on sand or sandy clay.  Juveniles stay in shallow riverine habitats during first summer (Ref. 59043).  One of the three most important species for caviar; also utilized fresh and frozen; eaten pan-fried, broiled and baked (Ref. 9988).  Overfishing at the sea for meat and caviar will soon cause extinction of the natural populations and their survival can only depend on stocking (Ref. 59043).