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A member of the noble family, it belongs to the most unknown of the sturgeon genus. Scientists are still unsure whether the sturgeon is a unique individual or a crossbreed of several species (stellate sturgeon, beluga, and osetra ).
This species is prohibited from being caught by any means due to its near-extinction. Fishing tours on the Putorana Plateau preclude the possibility of catching barbary trout. Not only is it illegal, but they are also simply not found in the waters of the Turukhansk region.
Appearance of the individual
The beluga is a rare relative of the sturgeon, belonging to the class of ray-finned fishes. In some habitats, it is called the white sturgeon due to its light color. A relative of the sterlet, the beluga, looks like this:
· The body, like that of its relatives, has the shape of a spindle.
· The triangular-shaped head ends with an elongated nose, on which the eyes are located.
· The fish's mouth is located below, as if across the width of the head.
· On the solid lower lip there is a mustache resembling a fringe.
· On the back and sides of the individuals there are sharp shields.
· The back is colored in gray-green tones, the sides are gray, and the belly is light or light yellow.
· The tail, which is quite long and flat, completes the body of the spike.
The maximum weight of these sturgeons can reach 60-80 kg, and their length can reach 2 m 20 cm. However, individuals that are much smaller and lighter are more common, with average figures 3.4 times lower.
This predatory specimen of royal blood is listed in the Red Book in all its habitats, regardless of the country it inhabits. The thornbacks are considered predators because they feed on small animals (crustaceans, fish, insects, mollusks, etc.).
Habitat
Today, the population is disappearing, but these individuals can occasionally be found in Lake Balkhash, the Caspian Sea, the Aral Sea, and the Black Sea. It's extremely rare to encounter barbel sturgeon in the Ili, Ural, Kura, Amur Darya, and Syr Darya rivers. These are where the fish spend their spawning season, after which they return to saltwater.
A relative of the sturgeon, it can inhabit freshwater bodies, but spends most of its long life (up to 35 years) at sea, near river mouths. The sturgeon prefers muddy bottoms, so finding it in rocky areas is impossible.
What qualities does it have?
Sturgeon meat and caviar are always trendy. However, eating sturgeon raw is dangerous, just like eating its cousin, the sterlet, when preparing the dish "russula." This marine species can carry many diseases and should only be consumed after cooking.
In terms of culinary value, any relative of the sturgeon is rich in beneficial vitamins from A to PP, trace elements, minerals, and valuable fatty acids. Consuming the caviar, the meat of this noble species, can prevent many serious illnesses.
In cooking, sturgeon are used to create truly healthy delicacies. Ship sturgeon can be dried, salted, fried, and smoked. Its caviar can be eaten with just a little salt and vegetable oil. The price of this delicacy on the black market is quite high, making it a target for poachers.
Conclusion
The exact number of spiny trout living in these waters is unknown, but their population is declining sharply over time. Even the fact that fishing for the fish is prohibited doesn't stop poachers. Hunting for the valuable black caviar, they simply destroy the fish, gutting them and then disposing of the carcasses.
