Science Fair Project Encyclopedia
Beluga sturgeon
- For other uses of the term "beluga", see Beluga (disambiguation).
The beluga (Huso huso) is a species of anadromous fish in the sturgeon family (Acipenseridae) of order Acipenseriformes. It is found primarily in the Caspian and Black Sea basins, and occasionally in the Adriatic Sea. Heavily fished for the female's valuable roe—known as beluga caviar—the beluga is a large (maximum 500 cm TL), slow-growing and late-maturing fish. The species' numbers have been greatly reduced by overfishing, prompting many governments to enact restrictions on its trade.
IUCN classifies the beluga as Endangered. It is a protected species listed in appendix III of the Bern Convention and its trade is restricted under CITES appendix II. The Mediterranean population is strongly protected under appendix II of the Bern Convention, prohibiting any intentional killing of these fish.
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