Connor Merritt

Sturgeons are one of the most ancient and fascinating fish species, known for their impressive size and longevity. These incredible creatures have been the subject of awe and wonder for centuries, with some growing to monumental sizes. In this article, we highlight some of the largest sturgeon ever recorded, from sturgeon beluga to Atlantic sturgeon and more, showcasing the magnitude of these aquatic giants.

Atlantic Sturgeon

The Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus) is a prehistoric fish that can be found along the Atlantic coast of North America. One of the most remarkable records of this species was a colossal specimen caught off the coast of Canada. This giant measured an astonishing 14 feet in length and weighed a hefty 811 pounds.

The Atlantic sturgeon is known for its distinctive features, including a long, torpedo-shaped body covered in bony scutes and a shovel-like snout. These sturgeons can live for several decades, with some reaching over 60 years of age. They primarily inhabit estuaries and coastal waters but migrate upstream to spawn in freshwater rivers.

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Sturgeon Beluga

The sturgeon Beluga (Huso huso), found primarily in the Caspian and Black Sea basins, holds the record for the largest sturgeon ever caught. The largest sturgeon ever caught on record was a beluga female captured in the Volga Delta in 1827; this magnificent fish weighed an incredible 1,571 kilograms (3,463 pounds) and measured 7.2 meters (23.6 feet) in length.

Beluga sturgeons are famed not only for their size but also for their prized roe, which is processed into the highly sought-after beluga caviar. These giants can live up to 100 years and are distinguished by their massive size, elongated bodies, and large, toothless mouths designed for vacuuming up prey from the riverbed.

White Sturgeon

The White sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) is the largest freshwater fish in North America, inhabiting the rivers and estuaries of the Pacific Northwest. The record for the largest White sturgeon was set by a specimen measuring 11 feet 7 inches in length and weighing an astonishing 1,100 pounds.

White sturgeons are known for their slow growth and long lifespan, often exceeding 100 years. They possess a shark-like tail, a flattened head, and rows of bony plates along their bodies. These sturgeons are anadromous, meaning they migrate from saltwater to freshwater to spawn, often traveling great distances to reach their breeding grounds.

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