Come identificare Atlantic Sturgeon

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

Caratteristiche fisiche

Forma del corpo

elongated

Colorazione

Dorsal surface typically greyish-brown to olive-green, fading to lighter grey or white on the ventral side. Scutes are often lighter in color, sometimes yellowish or whitish.

Tipo di squame

none

Posizione della bocca

inferior

Caratteristiche distintive

Five rows of prominent bony scutes: one dorsal, two lateral, and two ventral. The dorsal scutes are largest and most distinct., Four barbels located anterior to the mouth, closer to the snout tip than to the mouth., Protrusible, ventral mouth, typically toothless in adults., Elongated, conical snout., Heterocercal caudal fin (upper lobe longer than lower lobe).

Pinna dorsale

Single dorsal fin, located far back on the body, with 30-45 soft rays.

Pinna caudale

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

Pinna pettorale

Paired pectoral fins, relatively large and triangular.

Pinne distintive

Pelvic fins are abdominal, located posterior to the pectoral fins. All fins are supported by cartilaginous rays.

Consigli per l'identificazione

1. 1

   Scutes

   Count the five rows of bony scutes. The dorsal scutes are particularly prominent and keeled.

2. 2

   Barbels

   Observe the four barbels. In Acipenser sturio, they are positioned closer to the tip of the snout than to the mouth.

3. 3

   Snout Shape

   The snout is relatively long and conical, tapering to a point.

4. 4

   Mouth Position

   The mouth is inferior and protrusible, located on the underside of the head.

5. 5

   Caudal Fin

   The heterocercal tail, with its longer upper lobe, is a characteristic feature of sturgeons.

Esplora Atlantic Sturgeon