Beluga (sturgeon)

The Beluga is a species of anadromous sturgeon ( Huso huso) found primarily in the Caspian Sea basin, and formerly in the Adriatic and Black Sea basins. It is the third largest living species of bony fish, after the ocean sunfish and the giant oarfish, and is highly prized for its roe, which is processed into beluga caviar, one of the most expensive types of caviar in the world.

Beluga sturgeon are characterized by their large size, relatively smooth skin with few bony scutes, and a long, conical snout. They can live for over 100 years and reach weights exceeding 1,500 kg (3,300 lb). They are predatory fish, feeding on a variety of smaller fish, crustaceans, and mollusks.

Historically, Beluga populations thrived, but overfishing, habitat destruction (primarily dam construction restricting migration routes), and pollution have severely impacted their numbers, leading to their classification as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Strict regulations and conservation efforts are in place in many areas to protect the remaining populations, including fishing bans and restocking programs.

The term "beluga" can also refer to the beluga whale, a marine mammal; therefore, it is essential to specify "Beluga (sturgeon)" to avoid confusion.