Gulf Sturgeon
(Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi)
Gulf Sturgeon. Credit: USFWS
Description
Gulf sturgeon are anadromous fish with a sub-cylindrical body inbedded with bony plates or scutes. The snout is greatly extended and bladelike with four freshy barbels in front of the mouth, which is protractile on the lower surface of the head. The upper lobe of the tail is longer than the lower lobe. The subspecies is light brown to dark brown in color, and pale underneath.
Status
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) designated the Gulf sturgeon as a threatened species on September 30, 1991. As part of the listing, a special rule was promulgated to allow taking of the subspecies for educational purposes, scientific purposes, the enhancement of propagation or survival of the subspecies, zoological exhibition, and other conservation purposes consistent with the Endangered Species Act.
For More Information
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Panama City Field Office is actively involved in monitoring Gulf sturgeon populations and studying its life history. Check the Panama City website for more information about the Gulf sturgeon and work being done to aid in the species' recovery.
Links:
- Gulf
Sturgeon Recovery
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Panama City Field Office - Gulf
Sturgeon in Alabama
Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources - Gulf
Sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi)
NOAA Fisheries - Gulf
Sturgeon Facts
USGS Florida Integrated Science Center
