A small sturgeon with flattened scoop-shaped snout. Most common sturgeon in the US.

Also called: Shovelnose, Sand Sturgeon, Hackleback

Native status: Native to Mississippi-Missouri system

§ Quick facts

SizeLength 60–90 cm; record 105 cm
Weight1–4 kg; record 5.4 kg
LifespanWild 20–40 years
OrderAcipenseriformes
FamilyAcipenseridae

§ Encyclopedia

The shovelnose sturgeon is the smallest species of freshwater sturgeon native to North America. It is often called hackleback, sand sturgeon, or switchtail. Switchtail refers to the long filament found on the upper lobe of the caudal fin. Shovelnose sturgeon are the most abundant sturgeon found in the Missouri River and Mississippi River systems, and were formerly a commercially fished sturgeon in the United States of America. In 2010, they were listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act due to their resemblance to the endangered pallid sturgeon, with which shovelnose sturgeon are sympatric.

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

§ Identification

Field marks. Long armored fish with flattened shovel-shaped snout; barbels in front of mouth; deeply furrowed bony plates along body.

Similar species. Pallid Sturgeon (federally endangered; very similar; longer outer barbels). Lake Sturgeon (different range; much larger).

Voice. Silent.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Aquatic insect larvae, small mollusks, crustaceans, small fish.

Behavior. Smallest of US sturgeons. Restricted to Mississippi-Missouri River systems. Once supported substantial commercial fishery for eggs (caviar); modern fishery much reduced due to declining populations. Hybridizes with federally-endangered Pallid Sturgeon in degraded river habitats, complicating identification and management of both species.

§ Range

Mississippi and Missouri River systems

§ Habitat

Large turbid rivers

§ Threats

Habitat loss, dam construction, water diversions.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the scaphirhynchus sturgeon (shovelnose) is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support river restoration. Don't harvest from depleted populations.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • USFWS
  • USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center
  • American Fisheries Society
  • IUCN Red List 2018