Beluga (sturgeon)

The beluga /bəˈluːɡə/ or European sturgeon (Huso huso) is a species of anadromous fish in the sturgeon family (Acipenseridae) of orderAcipenseriformes. It is found primarily in the Caspian and Black Sea basins, and occasionally in the Adriatic Sea. Heavily fished for the female's valuable roe—known as beluga caviar—the beluga is a huge and late-maturing fish that can live for about 118 years. Going on maximum size, it is the second most massive living species of bony fish behind the ocean sunfish.[4] The species' numbers have been greatly reduced by overfishing and poaching, prompting many governments to enact restrictions on its trade.

The common name for the sturgeon, as for the unrelated beluga whale, is derived from the Russian word белый (beliy), meaning "white", probably referring to the extensive pale colour on the underside in beluga compared to other sturgeons.