Where are Lake Sturgeon found in the wild?

Swim through the glimmering waters of lakes and rivers to spot these amazing fish. They love to hang out in clear, slow-moving waters with sandy or gravel bottoms, where they can glide gracefully and search for tasty treats!

"Lake Sturgeon, Juvenile" by USFWS Mountain Prairie is licensed under CC PDM 1.0

Lake Sturgeon

Explore the ancient waters with an incredible, living treasure!

"Lake Sturgeon, Juvenile" by USFWS Mountain Prairie is licensed under CC PDM 1.0

The Basics

Scientific Name

Acipenser fulvescens

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Location

North America

Average size

3 to 6 feet long

diet

Insects, crustaceans, small fish

lifespan

50 to 150 years

Let’s Explore

Overview

The Lake Sturgeon is a remarkable fish that can grow between 0.9 to 1.8 meters (3 to 6 feet) long. This ancient species swims in lakes and rivers, often giving a glimpse of what life was like millions of years ago.
Lake Sturgeons belong to a special group of fish called Actinopterygii, which means they have ray-finned bodies. These fish have a unique look, featuring a long, slender body covered with bony plates instead of scales, making them stand out in the aquatic world.
This incredible fish enjoys a tasty diet that consists of insects, crustaceans, and small fish. Their powerful mouths allow them to suck up their food from the riverbed like a vacuum cleaner.
Lake Sturgeons can live for an astonishing 50 to 150 years, making them some of the longest-living fish on the planet. Just imagine a fish that can tell stories about its adventures in the underwater world for over a century!
These fascinating fish spawn every few years, laying thousands of eggs in gravel beds. The young sturgeons hatch and begin their journey, swimming through lakes and rivers to explore their watery homes.
Lake Sturgeons are a vital part of their ecosystems, helping maintain the balance of underwater life. Their presence is a reminder of the wonderful diversity of fish that swim beneath the surfaces of lakes around the world.

Where can you find a Lake Sturgeon in the wild?

What does a Lake Sturgeon eat?

How big can a Lake Sturgeon grow?

How long does a Lake Sturgeon typically live?

What is the conservation status of the Lake Sturgeon?

What are the main threats to the Lake Sturgeon?

wowzerful facts

Lake Sturgeons can feel their way around the water using special sensors called electroreceptors. These sensors help them detect the tiny electrical signals given off by other creatures, making them excellent hunters!

These ancient fish can create sounds by rubbing special bones in their bodies together. This unique ability allows them to communicate with each other, giving a whole new meaning to fish 'talking' underwater!

Lake Sturgeons are known as 'living fossils' because they have been swimming in our waters for over 200 million years! They are older than most dinosaurs, showcasing just how ancient and special they truly are.

These fish have a tough, bony back covered in plate-like scales called scutes. Think of them as nature’s version of armor, helping protect them from predators lurking in the watery depths!

During spawning season, male Lake Sturgeons often perform a spectacular dance. They swim closely around females, creating swirls and bubbles, which looks like an underwater ballet!

Lake Sturgeons are super picky eaters! They use a special vacuum-like mouth to suck up food from the riverbed, but they mostly munch on the tastiest bugs and crustaceans, leaving the not-so-yummy stuff behind.

Some Lake Sturgeons travel up to 2,000 kilometers (about 1,200 miles) during their life, searching for the best spawning spots. That’s like swimming from one city all the way to another, all in their underwater world!

These fish can be super sneaky and sometimes bury themselves in the sand or gravel while they rest. This clever hiding trick helps them avoid hungry predators and blend into their environment!

Baby Lake Sturgeons are cute little swimmers known as fry after they hatch. They quickly learn to navigate their habitats, growing up to be the giant fish they're destined to become!

Lake Sturgeons help keep their ecosystems healthy and clean. By feeding on insects and crustaceans, they help control those populations, making sure the underwater world stays balanced and vibrant!