How to Identify Lake Sturgeon

To identify Lake Sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Dorsal surface typically olive-brown to gray, fading to a lighter, often yellowish or white ventral surface. Juveniles may have darker blotches or bands.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

inferior

Distinctive features

Five rows of bony scutes (dermal plates) along the body: one dorsal, two lateral, and two ventrolateral., Four prominent barbels located anterior to the mouth, used for foraging., Protrusible, suctorial mouth located on the underside of the head., Heterocercal (shark-like) caudal fin., Lack of scales.

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin located far back on the body, near the caudal fin.

Tail fin

Heterocercal (upper lobe longer than the lower lobe), resembling a shark's tail.

Pectoral fin

Large, paddle-like, located just behind the gills.

Distinctive fins

All fins are supported by cartilaginous rays. The dorsal and anal fins are positioned posteriorly.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape and Scutes

   Look for the elongated, torpedo-shaped body with five distinct rows of bony scutes. This is a primary distinguishing feature from other large freshwater fish.

2. 2

   Mouth and Barbels

   Observe the inferior, protrusible mouth and the four prominent, fleshy barbels located in front of the mouth. These are crucial for bottom feeding.

3. 3

   Caudal Fin

   Note the heterocercal (shark-like) tail fin, where the upper lobe is longer than the lower lobe.

4. 4

   Lack of Scales

   Unlike most teleost fish, Lake Sturgeon lack true scales, possessing only the bony scutes.

5. 5

   Size

   Adults are very large, often exceeding 1.5 meters (5 feet) in length and weighing over 50 kg (110 lbs), with some individuals reaching over 2.5 meters (8 feet) and 100 kg (220 lbs).

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