About Beluga (Huso huso) Danube Delta
The Beluga (Huso huso) is the largest fresh water fish on Earth. In Romania, the Beluga lives in the Black Sea and it reproduces in the Danube.
On average, a Beluga measures 170 to 200 cm and weights between 50 and 150 Kg, but there have been captured specimens with a weight larger than 850 Kg.
The Beluga has a great semilunar mouth. Its spawns have a triangular snout, with a sharp tip. Its brachial membranes form an open crinkle.
On its sides, the Beluga has two pairs of long, sideways flattened, with fringed ends whiskers.
The Beluga is the largest carnivorous sturgeon. In the Danube it feeds on carps, common roaches and common breams. In the sea it feeds on black gobies, flatfish, crustaceans and molluscs.
This species lives a very long life – up to 30 and 60 years. There have been captured specimens which were more than 100 yearsold.
During the reproductive period, the Beluga lays eggs between rocks or directly on them. The rocks must be clean or else the eggs will not stick. The reproductive period lasts for 10 days and it requires a water temperature of 8 to 10 degrees. The Beluga remains in the reproductive area until its spawns have gills and mouths.
In Romania, the Beluga reproduces in two areas, one within 310-311 Km from Roșova and one near Isaccea. After the postembryonic period, the Beluga spawns migrate towards the Black Sea. Their journey lasts approximately half year. During their first 3-4 years of live, the Belugas live in collectives. These groups migrate together towards the areas where they feed.