atlantic-sturgeon
Species Facts

Science Name: Acipenser oxyrhynchus
Description

Atlantic sturgeons reach a length of 12 to 14 feet. The upper body is gray or blue-black, and contrasts with the white spines on the body plates, the front edge of the paired fins, and the lower portion of the tail fin. Sturgeons are elongate, with a flattened head and snout, and seem to be five-sided. This is because they have five rows of bony plates running along the body, one along the back, two on the sides and two on the underside. The plates are sharp in young fish, but smooth with wear in older, larger fish.

Where to Find
As different subspecies, this sturgeon ranges along the Atlantic Coast from Labrador to the Gulf of Mexico. The Atlantic sturgeon is found occasionally in the Delaware River in Pennsylvania, where the adults migrate to spawn and then return to the ocean. Juveniles also spend time there before going to the ocean.

Habitat
Atlantic sturgeons are found throughout the Northern Hemisphere, in both fresh water and salt water.

Feeding Habits
Even though they grow to great size, sturgeons eat tiny bottom-dwelling invertebrates, like sludgeworms, midges, shrimp, tiny bivalves and occasionally small fishes. They root for food from the soft bottom with their snout, and locate food using their barbels.

Tips for Fishing

Fishing for Sturgeon in "Moratorium" or not permitted.