in ichthyology, a genus of fishes belonging to the Amphibia Nantes of Linnaeus. The accipenser has a single linear nostril; the mouth is in the under part of the head, and contains no teeth; the cirri are below the snout, and before the mouth. There are three species of this genus, viz:

1. The ruthenus has 4 cirri, and 15 squamous protuberances. It is a native of Russia.

2. The hufo has 4 cirri; the body is naked, i.e., has no prickles or protuberances. The skin of the hufo is so tough and strong, that it is employed for ropes in carts and other wheel-carriages; and the ichthyocollo, or isinglass of the hogs, famous as an agglutinant, and used also for the fining of wines, is made from its furred or scales. The ancients were acquainted with the fish that afforded this drug. The hufo is the largest of the genus, and grows to 24 feet in length. It inhabits the Danube and the rivers of Russia.

3. The sturio, or sturgeon, with 4 cirri and 14 squamous protuberances on the back. This fish annually ascends our rivers, but in no great numbers, and is taken by accident in the salmon-nets. It seems a spirited fish, making no manner of resistance when entangled, but is drawn out of the water like a lifeless lump. It is seldom taken far out at sea, but frequents such parts as are not remote from the estuaries of great rivers. It is admired for the delicacy and firmness of its flesh, which is white as veal, and extremely good when roasted. It is generally pickled. The most we receive comes either from the Baltic rivers or North America. Great numbers are taken during summer in the lakes Frischehaff, and Curich-haff near Pillau, in large nets made of small cord. The adjacent shores are formed into districts, and farmed out to companies of fishermen, some of which are rented for six thousand guilders, or near three hundred pounds, per annum. They are found in vast abundance in the American rivers in May, June, and July; at which time they leap some yards out of the water, and, falling on their sides, make a noise to be heard in still weather at some miles distance. Caviare is made of the roes of this, and all of the other sorts of sturgeons, dried, salted, and packed up close. Ichthyocolla, or ifinglats, is likewise made of the found of this fish, as well as that of the others; but in very small quantity. The sturgeon grows to a great size, to the length of 18 feet, and to the weight of 500 pounds, but it is seldom taken in our rivers of that bulk. In the manner of breeding, this fish is an exception among the cartilaginous kind; being, like the bony fish, oviparous, spawning in water.