Osyotr

Osyotr (Russian: осётр) refers to several species of sturgeon native to the Caspian Sea, Black Sea, Azov Sea, and their associated rivers, as well as some Siberian river systems. The term most commonly denotes the Russian sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii), a commercially important species prized for its roe, which is processed into caviar.

More broadly, "osyotr" can be used as a general term for several sturgeon species within the Acipenser genus found in Eastern Europe and Russia. These species are characterized by their cartilaginous skeletons, elongated bodies, and rows of bony scutes along their sides and back. They are anadromous fish, meaning they migrate from saltwater environments to freshwater rivers to spawn.

Due to overfishing, habitat loss, and pollution, many osyotr species are critically endangered. Conservation efforts are underway to protect and restore their populations through captive breeding programs, habitat restoration, and fishing regulations. The legal trade in osyotr caviar is strictly regulated by international agreements such as CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species). The farming of sturgeon for caviar production is also becoming increasingly common as a more sustainable alternative to wild harvesting.