Fish skin

Sturgeon leather: an innovative material with history and tradition.

When we think of leather, the first thing that comes to mind are materials from land animals such as cows, snakes, or crocodiles. However, there is a lesser-known but equally fascinating type of leather: fish leather.

One of the most prized leathers in the luxury world is eel skin, used in high-quality items with a sophisticated finish. Interestingly, eel has imitations such as lamprey, and this in turn resembles the skin of hagfish (Myxinidae).

With this premise in mind, we embarked on the research of an unexplored alternative: sturgeon leather. Through internet searches, we discovered that it is already being produced in other countries with some success, although it has not yet become popular in a wide variety of products.

Taking advantage of the Siberian sturgeon skins from our own smoking process, we embarked on the adventure of turning them into leather. The task was not easy: after many hours of research, reviewing recipes and craft videos, we began our experiments. At first, the results were not what we expected, but we persisted.

We decided to follow a vegetable tanning process using tree bark with a high tannin content. We submerged the hides in baths with progressively higher concentrations of tannins every two days. After a month, we left them to dry in the sun before submerging them in a mixture of oils to improve their flexibility. Days later, we washed them and submerged them again in water for one or two days. Finally, we spread them out and secured them firmly to dry and stretch them to the maximum.

After months of trial and error, reviewing information and correcting flaws, we achieved a product with moderate flexibility and surprising resistance.


We are now in the most exciting phase: we want to see what the leather craftsmen in our area (Elche, Elda, Petrer) can do with our samples. Elche and Elda are renowned for their tradition in the manufacture of footwear and leather goods, so we believe that sturgeon leather could have great potential in the local industry.

Could this material find its place in the world of design and fashion? We are eager to find out. If you are a craftsman or designer and are interested in exploring new possibilities with this innovative leather, we would love to hear your opinion!