Lake Sturgeon | National Wildlife Federation

• Contact Us
• Blog

Donate

• One-Time Gift
• Give Monthly
• Corporate Giving
• Renew
• In Memory / Honor of
• Matching Gifts
• More Ways to Give

• Our Work
  • Climate
  • Conservation Policy
  • Environmental Justice
  • Habitats
  • Indigenous Partnerships
  • Our Lands
  • People
  • Waters
  • Wildlife Conservation
• Get Involved
  • Donate
  • Subscribe
  • Certify a Garden
  • More Ways to Give
  • Action Fund
• About Us
  • Mission & Strategic Plan
  • History & Heritage
  • Equity & Justice
  • Regional Centers & Affiliates
  • Executive Leadership
  • Partners & Supporters
  • Financials
  • Careers
• Kids & Family
  • Connecting Kids and Nature
  • Ranger Rick Kids
  • Ranger Rick Store
  • About Ranger Rick
• Educational Resources
  • Wildlife Guide
  • Educator Tools
  • Education Programs
  • Reports
• Magazines
  • National Wildlife®
  • Ranger Rick®
  • Ranger Rick Jr.™
  • Ranger Rick Cub™
  • Ranger Rick Zoobooks®
  • Ranger Rick Dinosaurs™
  • Content Licensing
• Latest News
  • Press Releases
  • Blog
  • Media Resources
• Contact Us
• Blog

Lake Sturgeon

1. Home
2. Educational Resources
3. Wildlife Guide
4. Fish
5. Lake Sturgeon

Lake Sturgeon

Acipenser fulvescens

Status: Not Listed

Classification: Fish

Description

Also called rock sturgeon, this freshwater fish is the oldest and largest native species in the Great Lakes.

These huge fish can measure six and a half feet (two meters) long and weigh close to 200 pounds (90 kilograms). Instead of scales, the lake sturgeon has coarse skin.

Range

Despite their name, lake sturgeon are found in rivers as well as lakes. The fish's range spans North America from the Hudson Bay to Mississippi River. This fish was once an abundant species in the ecosystems of the Great Lakes, but overharvesting has decreased its numbers.

Diet

Lake sturgeon feed along lake bottoms on small invertebrates, such as crayfish, snails, claims, and leeches.

Life History

Lake sturgeon migrate to shores of freshwater lakes in early summer for spawning. Female lay anywhere from two to three million eggs per season. Sturgeon may not begin spawning until they are 15 to 25 years old, and only spawn every four years on average.

These fish can live for decades. Males may reach 55 years, while females have been recorded living for 150 years.

Conservation

Lake sturgeon were once abundant throughout the Great Lakes system until overfishing in the 1800s and early 1900s decimated their populations. In 1994, lake sturgeon were designated as a threatened species in Michigan, marking the beginning of recovery programs to attempt to revive the population. Lake sturgeon, however, have reproductive traits that make rehabilitation of the species difficult, including delayed maturation and periodic interrupted spawning cycles. To make matters worse, this species is now faced with further negative impacts by pollution, the destruction of main food sources, and invasive aquatic species—impacts that are likely to be exacerbated by climate change.

Climate change is expected to further threaten this fish as rising water temperatures greatly decrease the quality and quantity of spawning and nursery habitats. Climatic variability could also disrupt the timing of sturgeon reproduction and length of optimal fish growth periods as environmental cues shift and warming waters affect stream ecological processes and ecosystem health. Lake sturgeon are also vulnerable to changes in water levels and increased runoff associated with extreme weather and climate change.

Anglers can help lake sturgeon by releasing the fish if caught. In addition, by cleaning recreational equipment and using clean ballast technology, people can help prevent the spread of invasive species and diseases that threaten these fish.

Fun Fact

Sturgeon can be seen porpoising—or jumping in the air—after entering a spawning stream.

Sources

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

National Geographic

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Get Involved

Donate Today

Sign a Petition

Donate Monthly

Sign Up for Updates

What's Trending

UNNATURAL DISASTERS

A new storymap connects the dots between extreme weather and climate change and illustrates the harm these disasters inflict on communities and wildlife.

Learn More

Come Clean for Earth

Take the Clean Earth Challenge and help make the planet a happier, healthier place.

Learn More

Native Plant Finder

Get a list of highly impactful plants that are native to your area based on your zip code!

Check It Out

Where We Work

More than one-third of U.S. fish and wildlife species are at risk of extinction in the coming decades. We're on the ground in seven regions across the country, collaborating with 52 state and territory affiliates to reverse the crisis and ensure wildlife thrive.

Learn More ABOUT US CONTACT US MAGAZINES BLOG ACTION FUND CAREERS

PO Box 1583, Merrifield, VA 22116-1583

800.822.9919

Join Ranger Rick

Inspire a lifelong connection with wildlife and wild places through our children's publications, products, and activities

Learn More

Follow Us

National Wildlife Federation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization

×

You are now leaving nwf.org

In 4 seconds, you'll be redirected to NWF Action Fund, a separate and distinct 501(c)(4) nonprofit affiliated with NWF.