Sturgeon, an ancient lineage of fish characterized by bony plates instead of scales, are found in Florida’s waters. These creatures have existed for over 200 million years, evolving alongside and even predating dinosaurs. Their presence offers a glimpse into a prehistoric aquatic world.
Florida’s Sturgeon Species
Florida is home to the Gulf Sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi), a subspecies of the Atlantic Sturgeon. While other Atlantic and Shortnose Sturgeon have been historically or rarely observed, the Gulf Sturgeon is the predominant species in the state’s Gulf Coast river systems. This subspecies, first recognized in 1955, differs from the Atlantic Sturgeon and primarily inhabits rivers that drain into the Gulf of Mexico.
Gulf Sturgeon can grow significantly, with adults typically reaching five to eight feet and weighing up to 200 pounds, though some exceed 300 pounds. They possess a sub-cylindrical body armored with five rows of bony plates, called scutes, which offer protection. Their V-shaped snout features four tactile barbels for sensing prey on the river bottom, and their mouth is toothless and protractile for vacuuming food. Females generally mature between 8 and 17 years, while males mature earlier, between 7 and 12 years. Their lifespan can exceed 25 years, with some living past 40.
Habitats and Life Cycles
Florida’s Gulf Sturgeon exhibit an anadromous life cycle, migrating between saltwater and freshwater environments. They spend cooler winter months in the Gulf of Mexico’s marine and estuarine waters, feeding on benthic organisms like worms, small crustaceans, and mollusks in sandy-bottom habitats. During this period, they gain substantial weight.
As spring approaches, typically February to April, adult Gulf Sturgeon migrate upstream into freshwater rivers to spawn, returning to their natal streams. Key Florida rivers include the Suwannee, Apalachicola, Yellow, Choctawhatchee, Blackwater, Escambia, and Pearl. Spawning occurs in the upper reaches of these rivers, usually late March through early May, over rocky or hard-bottom substrates at water temperatures between 59°F and 68°F. Adult sturgeon do not feed while in freshwater rivers, relying on stored energy. After spawning, they remain in these rivers through summer, conserving energy, before migrating back to the Gulf between September and November.
Conservation Status and Efforts
Gulf Sturgeon are a protected species in Florida, listed as federally threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) since 1991. This protection became necessary due to significant population declines from historical overfishing, habitat degradation, and dams blocking access to spawning grounds. Florida law has protected them since 1984.
Conservation efforts involve measures to aid their recovery. These include habitat restoration, such as modifying or removing dams to reopen migratory routes, and designating critical habitat areas in rivers and estuaries. Research and monitoring programs are also in place to understand their life history and population dynamics. Federal and state agencies collaborate on recovery plans to prevent further population reduction and establish self-sustaining populations.
Encountering Sturgeon in Florida
Boaters and river users in Florida, especially on rivers like the Suwannee, may encounter Gulf Sturgeon. These fish are known for leaping entirely out of the water, particularly during summer and fall. Scientists suggest this jumping serves purposes such as refilling their swim bladder to maintain buoyancy or communicating with other sturgeon. While not aggressive, their large size (up to 200 pounds) means a collision can cause serious injury to both the fish and boat occupants.
It is illegal under state and federal law to fish for, harm, or possess Gulf Sturgeon. If accidentally caught, a sturgeon must be released immediately and handled with care to minimize stress. To reduce impact risk, particularly in known sturgeon holding areas, boaters should slow down, maintain awareness, and wear life jackets. Keeping passengers off the bow is also recommended where sturgeon are known to jump.