Lake Sturgeon
Acipenser fulvescens
About This Fish

The Lake Sturgeon is found in large rivers and lakes across much of eastern North America. Living longer than any other fish in the country (over 150 years), Lake Sturgeon can grow over 8 feet long and were commercially valuable for their meat and caviar. Unfortunately, overharvest, as well as poor water quality and the construction of reservoirs, caused the loss of all of the populations in the Southeast, including the Mobile Basin, Tennessee, and Cumberland river drainages. Reintroduction efforts are underway in all three of these drainages. Lake Sturgeon have five rows of bony scutes along their body and four barbels with taste buds in front of their protrusible mouth.