Sturgeon do inhabit the Mississippi River. These ancient fish have navigated these waters for millions of years. Often described as “dinosaur-like” for their prehistoric appearance, they possess elongated bodies covered in bony plates called scutes instead of scales. Their flattened snout and barbels help them forage along the riverbed. Their presence underscores the river’s ecological diversity and role as a habitat for these long-lived species.
Sturgeon Species Found in the Mississippi
The Shovelnose Sturgeon ( Scaphirhynchus platorynchus ) is the most abundant sturgeon in the Mississippi and Missouri river systems. It measures between 22 and 26 inches in length, seldom exceeding 30 inches. It has a flattened, shovel-shaped snout, bony plates, and a long, slender filament on its tail fin.
The Lake Sturgeon ( Acipenser fulvescens ) grows larger, reaching 4 to 6 feet long. It has a flattened snout, a toothless underside mouth, and five rows of prominent bony plates. Historically found throughout the Mississippi River system, Lake Sturgeon populations faced significant declines.
The Pallid Sturgeon ( Scaphirhynchus albus ) is an endangered species related to the Shovelnose Sturgeon. It is larger, averaging between 30 and 60 inches in length. It has a longer and more pointed snout than the shovelnose, smaller eyes, and shorter inner barbels. Unlike the Shovelnose Sturgeon, the Pallid Sturgeon lacks bony plates on its belly.
Where Sturgeon Thrive Along the River
Sturgeon in the Mississippi River system favor environments for their bottom-dwelling and foraging behaviors.
Shovelnose Sturgeon are found in open, flowing channels of larger rivers with sandy or gravelly bottoms. They prefer deep water with strong currents and frequent tailwaters below wing dams. Spawning occurs over gravel or sand substrates at 63°F to 70°F.
Pallid Sturgeon inhabit large rivers, preferring deep, swift-moving, and murky water. They are found in areas with strong currents and sand substrates within the main river channels. This species migrates through swift-flowing, muddy waters.
Lake Sturgeon thrive in both lakes and rivers, occupying bottom habitats of large freshwater systems. They forage in sandy, gravelly, and muddy bottoms, using their snouts to stir up sediment. When ready to reproduce, Lake Sturgeon migrate into large rivers to lay their eggs in rocky, swift-flowing sections.
Conservation Status and Efforts
The various sturgeon species in the Mississippi River face differing conservation challenges, stemming from historical impacts and ongoing environmental changes.
The Pallid Sturgeon is federally listed as an endangered species, listed in 1990 due to diminished sightings and few observed young individuals. This decline is attributed to habitat loss and modification, including channeling and damming, which reduce spawning areas. Overharvesting in the past also contributed to their low numbers.
Lake Sturgeon populations, once abundant, declined severely between the late 1800s and early 1900s due to commercial overharvesting for meat, caviar, and skin. Dam construction, siltation, and pollution reduced access to spawning gravel beds and feeding areas. While many states within their range list Lake Sturgeon as threatened or endangered, their populations are now rebounding due to dedicated conservation efforts.
The Shovelnose Sturgeon, although still the most abundant sturgeon in the Mississippi and Missouri River systems, is listed as threatened by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This status is primarily due to its close resemblance to the endangered Pallid Sturgeon, leading to harvest prohibition for all sturgeon to protect the Pallid Sturgeon.
Conservation efforts for these species involve a multi-faceted approach by state and federal agencies:
Habitat restoration focuses on maintaining and improving riverine environments, preventing alterations that limit shallow bank habitat and avoiding new dams.
Stocking programs reintroduce Lake Sturgeon to areas where they were previously extirpated and bolster existing populations.
Fishing regulations, including strict harvest prohibitions and catch-and-release requirements for certain species, manage populations.
Research and monitoring initiatives gather important data on sturgeon populations, movements, and habitat needs to inform recovery strategies.
How You Can Help Protect Sturgeon
Protecting sturgeon in the Mississippi River involves collective action and responsible practices. You can help by:
Supporting reputable conservation organizations dedicated to river health and aquatic species provide resources for research, habitat restoration, and public education. Adhering to all fishing regulations is important, including respecting catch-and-release requirements and observing size or possession limits. Reporting illegal fishing activities to state or federal wildlife authorities to enforce regulations and deter poaching.
Minimizing pollution is important, as water quality directly impacts sturgeon health and their food sources. This involves proper waste disposal and managing chemical runoff. Educating others about the importance of sturgeon and their role in the river ecosystem fosters community support for conservation efforts. Engaging in responsible river recreation, avoiding disturbance of sensitive habitats, contributes to the well-being of these ancient fish.