Come identificare Atlantic Sturgeon

Per identificare Atlantic Sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus), osserva queste caratteristiche chiave.

Caratteristiche fisiche

Forma del corpo

elongated

Colorazione

Dorsal surface typically olive-brown to bluish-black, fading to lighter sides and a white or yellowish belly. Scutes are often lighter in color.

Tipo di squame

none

Posizione della bocca

inferior

Caratteristiche distintive

Five rows of bony scutes: one dorsal, two lateral, and two ventral. The dorsal scutes are typically 9-16, lateral 24-35, and ventral 8-12., Four barbels located in a transverse row closer to the tip of the snout than to the mouth., Long, pointed snout (oxy-rhynchus means 'sharp snout')., Heterocercal tail (upper lobe longer than lower lobe)., Ventral mouth, protractile and toothless in adults.

Pinna dorsale

Single, located far back on the body, with 30-47 rays.

Pinna caudale

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

Pinna pettorale

Large and triangular, located just behind the operculum.

Pinne distintive

Pelvic fins are abdominal, located far back on the body, anterior to the dorsal fin.

Consigli per l'identificazione

1. 1

   Snout Shape

   The Atlantic Sturgeon has a relatively long, pointed snout, especially in younger individuals. This distinguishes it from the shorter, blunter snout of the Shortnose Sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum).

2. 2

   Barbel Position

   Its four barbels are located closer to the tip of the snout than to the mouth, arranged in a transverse row. This is a key differentiator from other sturgeon species where barbels might be closer to the mouth or in a different arrangement.

3. 3

   Scute Count

   Counting the number of dorsal (9-16), lateral (24-35), and ventral (8-12) scutes can help distinguish it from other sturgeon species, although there can be some overlap.

4. 4

   Size

   Atlantic Sturgeons are among the largest sturgeon species, regularly reaching lengths of 2-4 meters (6.5-13 feet) and weights of over 200 kg (440 lbs). This large size helps differentiate adults from smaller sturgeon species.

Esplora Atlantic Sturgeon