The Shortnose Sturgeon, the smallest of the
three
Sturgeon species of the Eastern US, is a
primeval
species that may be as much as 200 million
years old,
dating back to before the Dinosaurs or
about the time of Sharks.
One looking at this remarkable fish would be
reminded of the Alligator
Snapping Turtle
which also has a primordial appearance.
The Sturgeon body is covered with bony plates,
instead of the usual scales of modern
fish species,
just one of
several physical features
that sets this fish apart from
others.
A
Shortnose Sturgeon
Photo credit: Noel Burkhead
The physical appearance of Sturgeons only adds
to their mysterious appeal for those who study it.
Endangered in Florida since 1967, the
Shortnose lives primarily in the St. Johns
River.
Shortnose Sturgeon
Photo credit: Jerry Payne/USDA
As they are no longer allowed to be caught,
the greatest danger to this Sturgeon now is
in environmental pollution of the water
that they inhabit.
Shortnose Sturgeon
Photo credit: USFWS
Sturgeon are bottom dwellers whose diet
consists mainly of insects and mollusks.
Morrison Springs
Choctawhatchee Bay Area
Photo credit: NWFWMD
and can weigh as much as 50 pounds.
by nearly twice as many years.
