Sturgeon is the common name for the 27 species of fish belonging to the family Acipenseridae.

They are all found in the northern hemisphere. They range from subtropical to subarctic waters in North America and Eurasia.

Sturgeons are mostly live in large, freshwater lakes and rivers but some species also travel to the ocean and return to rivers and lakes to breed.

Sturgeons are long-lived, late maturing fishes. Their average lifespan is 50 to 60 years, and their first spawn does not occur until they are around 15 to 20 years old.

Sturgeons ranging from 2 to 3.5 meters (7–12 feet) in length are common, and some species grow up to 5.5 meters (18 feet).