Author: (Kessler, 1877)
FBname: Amu Darya sturgeon
Remark: Species of the genus <i>Pseudoscaphirhynchus</i> belong to the subfamily Acipenserinae, and not Scaphirhynchinae as it was previously considered (V. Birstein, pers. comm. 03/05 ).
Comments: Its natural habitat and population have declined due to the breakage of the hydrological regime of the Amu Dariya River.  Usual weight not more than 600-700 grams.  Females with mature hard roe, very rare.  Apparently sensitive to oxygen content in the water, changes in its  chemical  content, and to pollution.  Fishing is prohibited (Ref. 35930).  Spawns at 16° C (Ref. 719).