Ossetra genitive case form "осетра" (osetra, 'of sturgeon') of the Russian word "осётр" (osyotr 'sturgeon') from the phrase "икра осетра" (ikra osetra, 'caviar of sturgeon'). At one time, the term "ossetra" simply referred to Russian sturgeon species harvested for this type of caviar. In Russian, there are different names for the species of sturgeon that live in various territories such as "Beluga" ("Huso huso"), Sevruga ("Acipenser stellatus") and Sterlet ("Acipenser ruthenus"). The name Ossetra corresponds to the species "Acipenser gueldenstaedtii", which is much smaller than Beluga sturgeon ("Huso huso"), and has a firmer texture. In the territory of the Russian Federation
USS Sterlet (SS-392) the lookouts sighted smoke; and, by 21:53, the submarine was in position to launch a night surface radar attack. She launched six torpedoes, three at each freighter. Two minutes later, one of the escorts peeled off and made for "Sterlet". She immediately went right full rudder, all ahead at flank speed. In another two minutes, two torpedoes plowed into each of the two targets—four explosions within 20 seconds. At 22:05, the enemy frigate began random depth charge attacks. Three minutes later, the smaller of the two targets sank by the stern. At 22:11, "Sterlet" unleashed four "fish" at the pursuing