How to Identify Atlantic Sturgeon

To identify Atlantic Sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Dorsally olive-brown to bluish-black, fading to a lighter, often white or yellowish ventral surface. Juveniles may have more pronounced mottling.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

inferior

Distinctive features

Five rows of bony scutes: one dorsal, two lateral, and two ventrolateral. These scutes are prominent in juveniles and become smoother with age., Four barbels located anterior to the mouth, closer to the snout tip than to the mouth., Protractile, toothless, ventral mouth., Heterocercal caudal fin (upper lobe longer than lower lobe)., Long, pointed snout (rostrum).

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin, located far back on the body, posterior to the pelvic fins. Contains 30-50 soft rays.

Tail fin

Heterocercal caudal fin, deeply forked, with the upper lobe significantly longer than the lower lobe.

Pectoral fin

Large, triangular pectoral fins, located ventrally.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are abdominal, located well behind the pectoral fins. Anal fin is small and located posterior to the dorsal fin.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Scutes

   Count the number of scutes in each row. Atlantic Sturgeon typically have 9-16 dorsal scutes, 24-35 lateral scutes, and 8-14 ventrolateral scutes. These numbers can vary slightly but are generally consistent.

2. 2

   Barbels

   Observe the position of the four barbels. In Atlantic Sturgeon, they are closer to the tip of the snout than to the mouth opening.

3. 3

   Snout Shape

   The snout is relatively long and pointed, especially in younger individuals. It becomes blunter with age.

4. 4

   Coloration

   The dark dorsal and lighter ventral coloration is characteristic, though shades can vary with habitat and age.

5. 5

   Size

   Adult Atlantic Sturgeon are among the largest freshwater fish in North America, reaching lengths of several meters.

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