What fish produces black caviar?

Black caviar is one of the most valuable and expensive delicacies in the world. Its unique taste, rarity, and nutritional properties have made it popular among gourmets and true connoisseurs of fish products. However, not everyone knows that black caviar is obtained from certain species of fish, including both rare and endangered ones. In this article, we'll look at what fish black caviar comes from, their characteristics, and the benefits of this delicacy.

The main types of fish that produce black caviar

The main source of black caviar is fish of the sturgeon family. This family includes more than 25 species of fish, among which the most valuable for caviar production are sturgeon, beluga, sterlet, thornyhead, and stellate sturgeon. Let's take a closer look at each of them.

1. Sturgeon

Sturgeon is one of the most common fish for black caviar production, and it is this fish that answers the question: which fish has the most popular black caviar. In the wild, these fish are found in the Caspian, Black and Azov Seas, as well as in some large rivers. Due to the popularity of black caviar, the number of sturgeon has declined significantly, leading to restrictions on fishing in many countries. Nowadays, black sturgeon caviar is often produced from fish raised in special farms.

2. Beluga

Beluga is one of the largest fish of the sturgeon family and can reach a weight of over 1 ton. Its caviar is considered the most expensive due to its rarity and unique flavor profile. Beluga caviar is large, with a creamy texture and mild flavor. The species is under strict protection as its population has declined due to poaching and water pollution.

3. Sterlet

Sterlet is a smaller sturgeon species found in freshwater. Its caviar is considered less expensive, but has high taste and is popular in Ukraine and other countries. Due to its faster reproduction cycle and smaller size, sterlet can be bred in aquaculture, which reduces the pressure on natural populations.

4. Spike

The sturgeon is a rare sturgeon species found in the Caspian and Aral Seas. Its caviar has a medium grain size and a somewhat stronger texture. Due to the decline of the sturgeon population, its harvest is also regulated by law, and most of the caviar is produced on fish farms.

5. Stellate sturgeon

The stellate sturgeon is smaller than sturgeon and beluga, and its caviar is known for its rich flavor. It has smaller, dark-colored grains that appeal to gourmets. The stellate sturgeon, like other sturgeons, is subject to control due to the threat of extinction.

Environmental aspects and protection of sturgeon fish

The number of sturgeon, from which black caviar is obtained, is declining due to overfishing and environmental degradation. Many countries have introduced laws that regulate sturgeon fishing and support programs for their aquaculture. This helps to preserve natural populations while meeting the market demand for black caviar. Today, many producers use ethical methods of caviar extraction, supporting global standards for the conservation of sturgeon species.