Sturgeon are ancient, often large fish that have existed for over 200 million years, predating dinosaurs. Despite their imposing size and prehistoric appearance, these fish are generally not considered dangerous to humans. While rare incidents occur, they are typically accidental and do not reflect an aggressive nature. Their biology and behavior clarify why they pose little threat to people.
Understanding Sturgeon: Physicality and Temperament
Sturgeon possess unique physical characteristics. They have elongated, spindle-shaped bodies covered by five rows of bony plates, called scutes, rather than scales. Unlike many fish, their skeletons are almost entirely cartilaginous, similar to sharks.
Their feeding mechanisms illustrate their peaceful nature. Sturgeon have a toothless, protrusible mouth located on the underside of their snout, which they extend to suck food from the bottom. Four sensitive, whisker-like barbels precede their mouths, dragging along the riverbed to detect food such as shellfish, worms, crustaceans, and small fish. They are primarily bottom-feeders and are not designed to prey on large animals.
Sturgeon are passive and non-aggressive. They typically avoid human interaction. Their behavior is geared towards foraging for small organisms on the substrate, making them unlikely to intentionally engage with humans.
Addressing the “Dangerous” Question: Incidents and Misconceptions
The notion of sturgeon being dangerous often stems from rare, accidental encounters rather than intentional aggression. Sturgeon are known to jump out of the water, sometimes leaping several feet into the air. This behavior is not an attack but may be a reaction to boat noise, stress, or to equalize pressure in their swim bladders or communicate with other sturgeon.
Collisions with jumping sturgeon, particularly large ones, can cause serious injury to people on boats. For example, a 5-year-old girl died after being struck by a jumping sturgeon in Florida, and other incidents have resulted in injuries like ruptured organs and broken bones. Such severe events are accidental impacts, not deliberate attacks. Their large size, with some species reaching over 7 feet long and weighing hundreds of pounds, combined with their armored appearance, can lead to misconceptions about their threat level.
Safe Coexistence with Sturgeon
Humans can safely interact with sturgeon by understanding and respecting their behavior. When boating in areas known for sturgeon, it is advisable to proceed slowly, wear life jackets, and avoid sitting on the bow of the boat. These precautions help minimize the risk of accidental collisions with jumping fish.
Sturgeon are a protected and vulnerable species, with many populations endangered or threatened due to overfishing, habitat degradation, and barriers to spawning grounds. Responsible fishing practices, such as catch and release, are important for their conservation. Recognizing that sturgeon are more at risk from human activities than humans are from them fosters a respectful coexistence with these ancient fish.