It is native to the Black, Azov, Caspian and Aegean sea basins, but it has been extirpated from the last and it is predicted that the remaining natural population will follow soon due to overfishing.

[6] It is considered critically endangered by the IUCN and international trade in this species (including its caviar) is restricted by CITES.

The scales on the lateral line number between thirty and forty and these features distinguish this fish from the Russian sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii).

[6] The starry sturgeon is a harmless species that feeds on fish, worms, crustaceans and mollusks.

There have been several attempts in Russia, Iran, Italy, and the United States to adapt this species for aquaculture, with varying degrees of success.