The Beluga Sturgeon (Huso huso) is the biggest freshwater fish in the world. The largest Beluga ever caught weighed 1,571 kg and was 7.2 m long. The Beluga is extremely long lived and does not reach maturity until at least 15 years of age. Beluga Sturgeons are listed as Critically Endangered.

Beluga sturgeons are the biggest freshwater fish in the world. The largest Beluga ever caught weighed 1,571 kg and was 7.2 m long.
The Beluga migrates further upstream to spawn than any other sturgeon. However, this migration has been interrupted – as for all other sturgeons – by the Iron Gates dams.
Though mainly eating fish, the larger individuals can feed even on aquatic birds. The Belugas are the only true predators among Danube sturgeons.
11th century chronicles mention Huso huso as providing important rations for troops marching along the Upper Danube in Austria.
The Beluga is extremely long lived. Individuals can reach more than 100 years in age and can still be caught in areas where their spawning sites have been cut off.
60% decline of Beluga catch in 3 years according to data from Romania.

Full Article: Danube-sturgeon

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