Atlantic Sturgeon 

Basic Biology

• The Atlantic sturgeon is a subtropical, anadromous species.
  
  
• They can grow up to 14 feet!
  
  
• They are bluish black or olive brown on their back with paler sides and a white stomach and have five major rows of dermal scutes.
  
  
• Atlantic sturgeon can be distinguished from shortnose sturgeon by their larger size, smaller mouth, and a few different placements and groupings of scutes. But they are often mistaken for one another.
  
  
• Sturgeons have been on the Earth for more than 120 million years. This means that they have survived since dinosaurs were flourishing on the earth (Early cretaceous period).
  
  
• Atlantic sturgeon can live up to approximately 60 years.
  
  
• They are an andromous species, which migrates from the ocean into coastal estuaries and rivers to spawn.
  
  
• Atlantic sturgeons were once abundant in every major coastal river along the Atlantic coast in North America, but populations have declined significantly.

Characteristics / Anatomy

• Physical Characteristics/External Anatomy

Habitat

Atlantic sturgeon are anadromous, remaining primarily in coastal and estuarine waters during much of the year and entering rivers in the spring to spawn. Adults generally spawn over hard cobble and gravel bottoms and young seek out the spaces between the rocks for cover from predators. Sub-adults are often found in estuarine reaches (near the river mouths), particularly during the summer, and where food is most likely to be abundant.

Behavior

Spawning adults migrate (move) upriver in spring. After spawning, female Atlantic sturgeon most often return quickly to saltwater, while the males sometimes remain near the spawning grounds for months before returning to saltwater. In some areas, a small spawning migration may also occur in the fall.

Atlantic sturgeon are benthic feeders, which means they eat prey found on the bottom such as mussels, worms, and shrimp.

• Additional Information about Habitat and Life Cycle
• Sturgeon Through History
• Threats
• Research
  • Tagging
• Press Releases
  • Atlantic Sturgeon Recovery Program