Sturgeon are ancient fish with a lineage tracing back millions of years, often perceived as fearsome due to their impressive size and prehistoric appearance. However, the notion that sturgeon bite humans is largely unfounded. These large, generally docile fish are not known for aggressive behavior towards people. Any contact is typically accidental rather than a deliberate act of aggression.
Sturgeon Behavior and Diet
Sturgeon are primarily bottom-feeders, foraging for food along the beds of rivers, lakes, and estuaries. Their diet consists mainly of small, soft-bodied organisms such as insect larvae, worms, mollusks, and crustaceans like amphipods, shrimp, and crabs. Some populations may also consume small fish or fish eggs. They locate prey using four sensitive barbels, whisker-like sensory organs near their mouths.
Adult sturgeon lack the sharp teeth commonly associated with predatory fish. Instead, they possess a unique, protrusible mouth that extends outwards like a tube, allowing them to vacuum up food from the substrate. This suction-feeding mechanism is highly adapted for their bottom-dwelling diet, enabling them to swallow prey whole. Their feeding anatomy is not designed for biting or tearing large objects, explaining why they do not intentionally attack humans.
Human Encounters with Sturgeon
Encounters between humans and sturgeon most frequently occur during recreational fishing, particularly in catch-and-release fisheries. Anglers may come into contact with these fish when reeling them in or during handling for release. Sturgeon have rows of bony plates, called scutes, along their bodies which can feel rough, so caution is warranted during handling.
Accidental collisions, especially with jumping sturgeon, have been reported and can result in significant injuries to boaters. These incidents typically involve sturgeon leaping out of the water, sometimes due to changes in water pressure or as a form of communication. These collisions are not indicative of an aggressive attack by the fish. Boaters in areas known for sturgeon activity, such as parts of the Suwannee River, are advised to maintain awareness and give the fish ample space.
Addressing Common Fears About Sturgeon
The imposing size of sturgeon, which can grow to be several meters long and weigh hundreds of kilograms, combined with their armored bodies and ancient appearance, can lead to misconceptions about their temperament. Despite their formidable appearance, sturgeon are recognized by biologists as docile creatures that generally pose no threat to humans. Their behavior in the wild rarely involves aggression toward people.
Instances where sturgeon have caused harm, such as accidentally leaping into boats and injuring occupants, are collisions, not intentional attacks. These rare events, while capable of causing serious injury or even fatality, are not a reflection of a predatory instinct. The fish are exhibiting natural behaviors like jumping, which becomes hazardous due to their size and proximity to human activities. Understanding their true nature helps in appreciating these remarkable aquatic animals without undue fear.