Species

Starry sturgeon – protected species, fishing prohibited

Starry sturgeon · Acipenser stellatus

Starry sturgeon

Size: 1–1.5 m

  • A sturgeon with a very long, thin, sword-like snout that makes up almost half the length of the head.
  • Slender body with 5 rows of bony plates; blackish-brown back, white belly.
  • Lives at sea and swims up the Danube in spring to spawn; fishing for sturgeons is forbidden (permanent closed season).

Photo: Unknown authorUnknown author, Public domain (Wikimedia Commons)

Rules on natural waters

Release it immediately

Fishing for sturgeons is forbidden all year. Fish caught by accident must be released alive.

Species closed season: all year (except for scientific purposes)

The rules above are for natural waters (rivers, lakes, the Danube), where you also need a permit. On a private lake the lake's rules apply: many are catch & release or have their own limits.