Baikal sturgeon (Acipenser baerii baicalensis) fish species and information / pictures of Baikal sturgeon - Acipenser baerii baicalensis

Baikal sturgeon (Acipenser baerii baicalensis) fish species information

Scientific Name
Acipenser baerii baicalensis

Common Name
Baikal sturgeon

Biology
Adults feed on chironomid larvae, oligochaetes and larvae of caddis flies (Ref. 41072). Baikal sturgeon largely inhabit the areas of Lake Baikal's major tributaries: the delta zone of the Selenga River, Proval Bay, Chivyrkuy and Barguzin Bays. The sturgeons migrate widely throughout the whole lake alongside the coastal line, swimming into bays and coves. In former times, the sturgeons caught used to weigh about 125 kg, yet, they grow slowly and mature late. Length above is assumed, needs to be replaced (RF).

Classification

Classified By

Nikolskii, 1896

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Sturgeons and Paddlefishes (Acipenseriformes)

Family

Sturgeons (Acipenseridae)

Distribution

Region

Asia

Distribution

Asia: Mongolia (Ref. 41072). Former USSR: Lake Baikal, Russia (Ref. 6866). International trade restricted (CITES Appendix II, since 1.4.1998; CMS Appendix II).

Range

56°N - 51°N

Environment

Climate

Boreal

Water Temperature From

Unknown °C

Water Temperature To

Unknown °C

Depth From - meters

Unknown m

Depth To - meters

Unknown m

Zone

demersal

Environment

Freshwater; demersal; potamodromous (Ref. 51243)

Trophic Level

3.15 s.e. 0.35 Based on food items.

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

False

Occurs in Brackish water

False

Occurs in Fresh Water

True

Occurs on Reefs

False

Is kept in Aquariums

False

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

120 cm

Common Length

Unknown cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = No PD50 data many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Unknown

Vulnerability

High to very high vulnerability (75 of 100)

Resilience

Very Low, minimum population doubling time more than 14 years (tm=15-20)

Threat To Humans

Harmless

IUCN Red List Status