How to Identify Pallid Sturgeon

To identify Pallid Sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Pale, often grayish-white to yellowish-white on the dorsal surface, fading to white on the ventral side. This pale coloration provides camouflage against the sandy and silty river bottoms it inhabits.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

inferior

Distinctive features

Flattened, shovel-shaped snout with four barbels located closer to the tip of the snout than to the mouth., Lack of a spiracle (a small opening behind the eye)., Long, slender caudal peduncle (the narrow part of a fish's body to which the caudal fin is attached), which is completely covered in bony plates (scutes)., Absence of a fringe on the anterior margin of the dorsal fin., Typically 38-46 dorsal scutes, 10-16 lateral scutes, and 8-13 ventral scutes., Adults can reach lengths of up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) and weigh over 36 kg (80 pounds).

Dorsal fin

Single, posterior dorsal fin, typically with 38-48 rays. The anterior margin lacks a fringe.

Tail fin

Heterocercal caudal fin (upper lobe longer than the lower lobe), characteristic of sturgeons.

Pectoral fin

Paired pectoral fins, relatively broad.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are abdominal. All fins are supported by cartilaginous rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Snout Shape and Barbels

   The Pallid Sturgeon has a distinctly flattened, shovel-shaped snout. Its four barbels are positioned closer to the tip of the snout than to the mouth, and they are typically of similar length.

2. 2

   Caudal Peduncle

   Observe the caudal peduncle (the narrow part before the tail fin). In Pallid Sturgeon, it is long, slender, and completely covered in bony plates (scutes). This is a key differentiator from the Shovelnose Sturgeon.

3. 3

   Coloration

   Its pale, grayish-white to yellowish-white coloration is generally lighter than the more mottled brown or gray of the Shovelnose Sturgeon.

4. 4

   Absence of Fringe on Dorsal Fin

   Carefully check the leading edge of the dorsal fin. The Pallid Sturgeon lacks the filamentous fringe present on the dorsal fin of the Shovelnose Sturgeon.

5. 5

   Size

   Adult Pallid Sturgeon are significantly larger than adult Shovelnose Sturgeon, often exceeding 1 meter (3 feet) in length, while Shovelnose rarely exceed 1 meter.

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