Pseudoscaphirhynchus

(Old World shovelnose sturgeons), a genus of fishes of the family Acipenseridae. The snout is wide and flattened, and the mouth is large. These fishes are distinguished from the Scaphirhynchus by their short caudal peduncle. They are found in the rivers of the basin of the Aral Sea. Spawning occurs in spring; the eggs resemble those of the true sturgeon. There are three species. The little Amu Darya shovelnose sturgeon (Pseudoscaphirhynchus hermanni), which is about 27 cm long, is found in the Amu Darya River. The Syr Darya shovelnose sturgeon (P. fedtschenkoi), measuring approximately 30 cm in length, inhabits the Syr Darya River and feeds on invertebrates. Also found in the Amu Darya River is the Amu Darya shovelnose sturgeon (P. kaufmanni), which is about 50 cm long. These fishes reach sexual maturity in the sixth year. The adults feed on fishes, and the young on invertebrates. Old World shovelnose sturgeons, which are of some commercial value, are caught primarily with floating nets and hooks.