Atlantic Sturgeon and Similar Species
Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus
Got a photo? Identify fish instantly with the Fishby app.
Open the appSeveral fish can be confused with Atlantic Sturgeon. Here are the key differences.
Species often confused with {name}
Shortnose Sturgeon
Acipenser brevirostrum
Key differences: The Shortnose Sturgeon has a noticeably shorter, blunter snout. Its barbels are closer to the mouth than to the snout tip. It is also significantly smaller, rarely exceeding 1.2 meters (4 feet) in length, and typically has more prominent scutes throughout its life. It is primarily an estuarine species, rarely venturing far into marine waters.
Lake Sturgeon
Acipenser fulvescens
Key differences: The Lake Sturgeon is a freshwater-only species found in the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basin. It has a more rounded snout and its barbels are closer to the mouth. Its scutes are generally less prominent than those of the Atlantic Sturgeon, especially in adults.
Green Sturgeon
Acipenser medirostris
Key differences: The Green Sturgeon is found on the Pacific coast of North America. It has a more olive-green coloration, a relatively short and broad snout, and a distinctive row of 1-2 post-dorsal scutes (behind the dorsal fin) that are absent in Atlantic Sturgeon. Its barbels are also closer to the mouth.
Explore Atlantic Sturgeon
Identify fish anywhere
Free on iOS, Android, and Web. Photo identification, full species details, and more.