Other Freshwater
Sturgeon
Acipenseridae
BothAcipenseridaeVaries by species; many sturgeon species are threatened or endangered due to overfishing, habitat loss, and dam construction.
About
Sturgeons are ancient, cartilaginous fish characterized by their elongated bodies, heterocercal tail fins (shark-like tail), and rows of bony plates called scutes instead of scales. They are bottom-dwelling fish that use barbels near their mouths to locate prey.
- Average size
- Varies greatly by species; ranging from 7-12 feet and 300-2000+ lbs
- Colors
- Typically dark brown, grey, or black dorsally, fading to lighter shades on their sides and bellies. Some species have lighter colored scutes.
- Diet
- Sturgeons are opportunistic feeders, consuming a variety of benthic invertebrates, including insects, crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish.
- Region
- Varies by species; found in the Great Lakes, Mississippi River Basin, Pacific Northwest, and along the Atlantic Coast of the US.