Crossword Genius

Caviar supplier -- worker in theatre eats tonnes (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sturgeon

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'caviar supplier' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'worker in theatre eats tonnes' is the wordplay.
'worker in theatre' becomes 'surgeon' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'eats' indicates putting letters inside.
'tonnes' becomes 't' (abbreviation).
'surgeon' going around 't' is 'STURGEON'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sturgeon that I've seen before include "supplier of delicacy" , "producer of expensive eggs" , "Caviare-producing fish" , "Main resident" , "caviar suppliers" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app