Use Surgery Tools on a Sturgeon
The documented way to obtain caviar is to use Surgery Tools on sturgeons. That is the direct answer to Probably Stolen how to get caviar in the aquaculture system added to the demo. Buying any fish and using the meat-harvesting tool is not the same documented process.
The developer confirms the method in its October 19, 2026 update. It does not provide a caviar yield, a guaranteed cooldown or a repeated-harvest schedule, so this guide keeps the process to what is actually established.
Reach Sturgeons Through Aquaculture
The Retired Aquafarmer sells the equipment for raising fish in tanks. The starter setup uses tilapia, fish food and a basic water circulation system; the developer then discusses expansion into more valuable species, including eels and sturgeons.
To support those fish, manage water quality, filtration and the energy cell that keeps the tank circulating. Species have their own habitat requirements. A working tilapia setup is useful experience, but does not prove that every other fish should be kept under identical conditions.
The official Aquafarmer demo update is the source for both the equipment introduction and the sturgeon caviar interaction.
Choose the Caviar Interaction Instead of Meat Processing
The official update distinguishes two actions:
| Desired product | Documented fish and tool |
|---|---|
| Fish meat | Use a knife to slaughter and butcher fish |
| Caviar | Use Surgery Tools on sturgeons |
For caviar, have the sturgeon and Surgery Tools available and use that specific tool interaction. The announcement does not specify a particular mouse button, character level or additional processing recipe. It also does not establish that every fish species can provide caviar.
This distinction is particularly useful when planning your stock: a meat-harvesting action should not be treated as a confirmed alternative way to obtain the sturgeon's special product.
Keep Production Expectations Within the Known Scope
Fish farming includes reproduction and growth. With suitable conditions, fish may lay and fertilize roe, which hatches into fry and develops into mature stock. That supports an aquaculture business, but it does not by itself establish how frequently one sturgeon can supply caviar.
Build around the confirmed interaction first. Check your fish's habitat needs and keep the circulation maintained while assessing the costs of supporting additional stock. Without a verified caviar yield or sale-price comparison, there is no basis here for promising a particular daily profit or calling it the best business.
Caviar FAQ
Which fish provides caviar?
The developer specifically identifies sturgeons.
Which tool do I need?
Use Surgery Tools on the sturgeon. A knife is separately documented for harvesting fish meat.
Can I harvest caviar repeatedly without harming the fish?
The available official update does not establish survival, repeat-harvest timing or a cooldown. Do not assume an unlimited cycle from the single documented tool interaction.
Is the caviar feature only planned for version 1.0?
The October 19 announcement introduces it as part of the playable demo's aquaculture update. Its GIFs show the newer full-release UI, which is separate from the availability of the feature.