As adults, Gulf Sturgeon live in the Gulf of Mexico, but must return to coastal rivers to spawn. Juveniles live in rivers and estuaries prior to moving into marine environments. They are one of the larger fish in the Southeast with individuals that can reach eight feet in length. Gulf Sturgeon have five rows of bony scutes along their body and four barbels with taste buds in front of their protrusible mouth. Adults have been known to jump out of the water while in the rivers after spawning, which has been occasionally caused injury to boaters.