White Sturgeon

on September 1, 2011

By instinct, the white sturgeon spawns in swift-moving water.

Design

White Sturgeon

By instinct, the white sturgeon spawns in swift-moving water. Evidence shows that spawning under such conditions gives the young the best chance for survival. But how did the white sturgeon know this? This instinct was given to it by its Creator and was not the result of chance, random processes.

Features

  • This large fish has a cylindrical body but lacks the small scales of other smaller fishes. Instead it has five rows of scutes along its body.
  • The white sturgeon’s body is light gray with a white underside, and its scutes are lighter than its body in color.

Fun Facts

  • The white sturgeon has no teeth. It eats by sucking in its food.
  • A sturgeon’s taste buds are located on the outside of its mouth.
  • It is the largest freshwater fish in North America.
  • The white sturgeon can live for 100 years or more.
  • Other names for this species include Pacific sturgeon, Oregon sturgeon, Columbia sturgeon, and Sacramento sturgeon.

CLASS: Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)
ORDER: Acipenseriformes (paddlefishes, spoonfishes, and sturgeons)
FAMILY: Acipenseridae (sturgeons)
GENUS/SPECIES: Acipenser transmontanus

Size: 12.5–20 ft (3.8–6 m)
Weight: Up to 1,390 lbs (630 kg)
Depth: 1–400 ft (1–122 m)
Diet: Crustaceans, mollusks, lampreys
Habitat: Near the shores of the Pacific coast from Alaska to California; migrates inland to spawn

Aquarium Guide

With fun facts about more than 100 animals, this long-awaited Aquarium Guide includes beautiful pictures and reveals the incredible facts and design features that point to our amazing Creator. This handy size guide is excellent for school field trips and family trips to your favorite aquarium!

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