Scientists' Experiment Accidentally Creates New Jurassic-Like Species

Scientists faced a big problem. Basically, we humans love caviar, or sturgeon fish eggs, but natural sturgeon populations were getting way too low. So, experts desperately tried to produce a solution by creating an animal that would save the fish from extinction. Sounds good, right? Well, it looks like they kind of messed up. Somehow, the scientists managed to breed a monstrous new fish...

Underwater problem

A team of researchers in Hungary were the culprits. But they had started off with good intentions. You see, the sturgeon that had formerly thrived in Russia’s waters were becoming endangered. That meant science needed a way to help boost sturgeon populations again.

The cause

Why were the fish dwindling? Well, sturgeon are in high demand. It's all down to their prized roe — or fish eggs — which are harvested and cured with salt to sell as caviar.

The unfortunate consequences

Unfortunately, sturgeon don't reproduce or mature quickly. In a nutshell, they aren't able to replenish their numbers in time for the next fishing season — at least compared to the rapid rate they're harvested from the wild. And that's left us with a huge problem.

Almost extinct

Over the years, this issue has led to sturgeon becoming critically endangered. In fact, in 2020, the fish was just one IUCN conservation status away from being confirmed extinct in the wild. But there was a solution.