The Shovelnose Sturgeon is widespread throughout the Mississippi River Drainage, including the Tennessee River Drainage. This species is in decline across their range due to the construction of dams negatively impacting reproductive success, and it is believed to be extirpated from the Tennessee River Drainage. They live over sand and gravel in the main channel of large rivers. As the common name suggests, Shovelnose Sturgeon have a shovel-shaped snout.