Acipenseridae

A Dictionary of Zoology | 1999 | 605 words | Copyright

Acipenseridae (sturgeons; superorder Chondrostei, order Acipenseriformes) A family of large, fairly sluggish, bottom-feeding fish that have a low-slung mouth, toothless jaws, four barbels in front of the upper jaw, and rows of large plates along the body. They are found in Europe, Asia, and N. America. Most of the 26 species are marine but ascend rivers to spawn. A few species, e.g. the sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus), live wholly in fresh water. The processed roe of ripe female common sturgeon (Acipenser sturio and beluga Huso huso is renowned as caviar (the most available caviar is from the beluga).

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

MLA
Chicago
APA

MICHAEL ALLABY. "Acipenseridae." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 30 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

MICHAEL ALLABY. "Acipenseridae." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (May 30, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-Acipenseridae.html

MICHAEL ALLABY. "Acipenseridae." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Retrieved May 30, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-Acipenseridae.html

Learn more about citation styles