The largest freshwater fish in North America — verified specimens over 1,500 pounds and 20 feet. Some Kootenai River and Sacramento populations are endangered; Columbia/Fraser estuary populations sustain a regulated fishery.

Also called: White Sturgeon, Pacific Sturgeon

Native status: Native; populations endangered

§ Quick facts

SizeLength 1.5–6 m (5–20 ft); record 6 m
Weight150–800 kg (330–1,800 lb); record over 800 kg
LifespanUp to 100 years; some over 150
OrderAcipenseriformes
FamilyAcipenseridae

§ Encyclopedia

White sturgeon is a species of sturgeon in the family Acipenseridae of the order Acipenseriformes. They are an anadromous (migratory) fish species ranging in the Eastern Pacific; from the Gulf of Alaska to Monterey, California. However, some are landlocked in British Columbia, the Fraser River and Columbia River, Montana, Snake River, and Clearwater River in Idaho, and Lake Shasta in California, with reported sightings in northern Baja California, Mexico.

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

§ Identification

Field marks. Massive armored sturgeon with rows of bony plates. Largest US freshwater fish.

Similar species. Shortnose Sturgeon (smaller). Atlantic Sturgeon (smaller, marine).

Voice. Silent.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Bottom-feeder: invertebrates, small fish.

Behavior. Anadromous. Some populations isolated in fresh water lakes. Northeast Pacific populations protected.

§ Range

Pacific coast rivers from Alaska to California

§ Habitat

Large rivers, estuaries, ocean

§ Threats

Dams blocking spawning runs, water diversions, historic overfishing, contaminants.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the white sturgeon is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support dam removals where feasible. Practice strict catch-and-release of large breeders. Donate to sturgeon recovery.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • NOAA Fisheries
  • USFWS White Sturgeon Recovery
  • IUCN Red List 2014