A prehistoric-looking armored fish that can grow 14 feet long and live 60+ years. Federally Endangered in 4 of 5 US population segments. They were once so abundant they were considered a nuisance — caviar trade nearly extinguished them.

Native status: Native; endangered

§ Quick facts

SizeLength 1.5–4.6 m (5–15 ft); largest documented 4.5 m
Weight30–360 kg (66–800 lb); largest documented over 400 kg
LifespanUp to 60 years
OrderAcipenseriformes
FamilyAcipenseridae

§ Encyclopedia

The Atlantic sturgeon is a large species of sturgeon native to both sides of the Atlantic Ocean, and associated river basins. It is a member of the family Acipenseridae, and, along with other sturgeon, it is sometimes considered a living fossil. The main range of the Atlantic sturgeon is in eastern North America, extending from New Brunswick, Canada, to the eastern coast of Florida, United States. A highly endangered disjunct population occurs in the Baltic region of Europe.

Source: Wikipedia — Atlantic sturgeon Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Long primitive-looking fish with rows of bony plates.

Similar species. Shortnose Sturgeon (smaller). Lake Sturgeon (freshwater).

Voice. Silent.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Bottom-feeder: invertebrates, small fish.

Behavior. Anadromous. Spawns in upper tidal rivers. Late-maturing.

§ Range

Atlantic coast and rivers from Canada to Florida

§ Habitat

Large rivers (spawning); coastal Atlantic (adult)

§ Threats

Vessel strikes, dam-blocked spawning rivers, water quality, illegal poaching for caviar.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the atlantic sturgeon is currently classified as Near Threatened.

§ What helps

Support dam removal where viable. Reduce river pollution. Report any sturgeon sightings to NOAA Fisheries.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • NOAA Fisheries
  • USFWS Atlantic Sturgeon Recovery
  • IUCN Red List 2018