What is the largest freshwater fish in the world?

According to the United States Geological Survey, the beluga sturgeon (Huso huso) is the largest and heaviest freshwater fish globally. These giant fish grow up to 4.5 meters long and can weigh more than 1,100 kilograms. 

Which is the largest freshwater fish. Photo: Fotolia

This animal is also quite appreciated for its roe since it is usually sold as a gourmet caviar.

The beluga sturgeon can weigh more than 1100 kilograms

Unfortunately, this fish population has been drastically reduced due to the demand for caviar. So it is currently in danger of extinction.  Likewise, this species stands out for having an elongated body, a short snout, a wide mouth, and a leaden gray color on the back. 

They also have fleshy barbels in front of their mouths to locate their prey in river beds. The beluga sturgeon mainly inhabits the Black Sea basins and the Caspian Sea, such as the Volga River.

There is no doubt that it is a curious fish in all aspects 

It is estimated that it has been living on this planet for more than 250 million, so it has stoically resisted the evolutionary processes.

The different species of sturgeon can be found in the great river systems located in the northern hemisphere. They also have a certain predilection for the Black and Caspian Seas, however in these two areas they are much less frequent. Some of them are also found in Spain, especially in the large rivers such as the Guadalquivir.

The largest specimen ever seen was about 6 meters long, weighing over 800 kilograms

White sturgeon is North America's largest freshwater fish. Reportedly, white sturgeon reaches lengths of 15-20 feet and can weigh up to one ton. North America's second-largest freshwater fish is alligator gar.

Growth and reproduction

Beluga is a long-lived fish that can reach the age of 100 years. Unlike Pacific salmon, which die after spawning, beluga, like other sturgeons, can spawn many times. After spawning the fish rolls back into the sea.