Dabry's sturgeon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Acipenser dabryanus |
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Acipenseriformes
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Acipenser
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A. dabryanus
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| Acipenser dabryanus Duméril, 1869
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The Dabry's sturgeon, also known as the Yangtze sturgeon (Acipenser dabryanus), is a very old and special type of fish. It belongs to the sturgeon family and is found mainly in the Yangtze River in China. This amazing fish is sometimes called a "living fossil" because scientists believe it has been around for a very long time, possibly since the time of dinosaurs, about 140 million years ago!
The Dabry's sturgeon is carefully protected by the Chinese government. It is considered a "national treasure," much like the famous Giant Panda.
An Ancient Fish
The Dabry's sturgeon is thought to have lived at the same time as dinosaurs. This means it has been around for an incredibly long time, possibly as long as 140 million years! Because of its long history and how little it has changed over millions of years, it is often called a "living fossil." This makes it a very important animal for scientists to study.
How Big Can It Get?
This sturgeon can grow to be quite large. It can be between 200 to 500 centimeters (about 6.5 to 16 feet) long. It can also weigh between 200 to 500 kilograms (about 440 to 1,100 pounds) on average. A fully grown sturgeon can measure up to 4 meters (about 13 feet) long and weigh over 450 kilograms (about 990 pounds)! This makes it the third biggest sturgeon in the world, only smaller than the White sturgeon and Atlantic sturgeon.
Where Does It Live?
Dabry's sturgeon live in the main parts of the Yangtze River in China. They can also be found in coastal areas near the Qiantang River, Minjiang River, and Pearl River.
Sturgeon are known as anadromous fish. This means they have a special life cycle:
- They are born and lay their eggs (spawn) in fresh water, like rivers.
- After hatching, they migrate to salt water, like the ocean, to grow and mature.
- Once they are grown, they return to the fresh water rivers to lay their own eggs.
Why Is It Special?
The Dabry's sturgeon is a very important animal in China. It is protected by the government and is seen as a "national treasure." This is because it is a unique and ancient species that needs help to survive. Protecting these fish helps keep the balance of nature in their habitats.
See also
In Spanish: Esturión del Yangtsé para niños
