shovelnose-sturgeon
Species Facts

Science Name: Scaphirhynchus platorynchus
Other Names: Hackleback, switchtail, sand sturgeon, flathead sturgeon
Ideal Temp: 70 to 75 F
Description

Description Easily identified by the long, flattened snout; strongly fringed barbels; and extremely thin caudal peduncle covered with bony plates. A long filament extends off the upper lobe of the tail, although the filament is often broken off. There is no spiracle on the gill cover.

Table Quality The firm, white meat is considered excellent eating, either fresh or smoked. The eggs make good caviar.

Sporting Qualities Occasionally taken with rod and reel, but more often on setlines baited with cut fish, minnows or worms. Shovelnose sturgeons often jump when hooked, and put up a strong fight for their size.

Habitat Usually found in the swift current of large rivers over a sand or gravel bottom, especially where there are concentrations of snails and clams. They can tolerate very murky water and prefer temperatures from 70 to 75F.

Food Habits The shovelnose sturgeon's diet consists mainly of immature aquatic insects sucked from the bottom. They also eat small snails, clams and bits of aquatic plants.

Spawning Habits Spawn in late spring or early summer, usually at water temperatures of 65 to 70F. They migrate upstream to spawn and randomly deposit their eggs over a rocky bottom, often in the swift water below a dam. No attempt is made to protect the eggs or young.

Age and Growth Shovelnose sturgeons grow more slowly and have a shorter life span than other sturgeon. The maximum age is about 25 years.