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A 90-d growth trial was conducted to determine the accumulation of fluoride ions (F−) in juvenile Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii). Fish were exposed to nominal F− concentrations of 4, 10, 25, 62.5mgL−1 (added as NaF), along with a control group. Fish growth was determined and F− concentrations in bone, cartilage, skin, gill, muscle, liver, gut and pylorus were analyzed by fluoride specific electrode method. Fish growth was inhibited for groups exposed to 10, 25, and 62.5mgF− L−1 compared to the control group. Significant increases in F− concentrations were observed in bone, cartilage, skin and gill of Siberian sturgeon exposed to ⩾4mgF− L−1. The highest F− concentration was in bone (3204.4mgkg−1, dry weight), followed by cartilage (1401.2mgkg−1), gill (389.4mgkg−1), skin (100.1mgkg−1). Muscle, liver, gut and pylorus did not show increasing accumulation with increasing F− levels in the water, but liver, gut, pylorus accumulated higher F− concentration compared to muscle. It is summarized that F− accumulates mainly in bone and cartilage in Siberian sturgeon, with 10mg F− L−1 in water harmful to growth. Even 4mg F− L−1 may be harmful to Siberian sturgeon growth during a long-term waterborne exposure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]