Fish Species

Southern Green Sturgeon

• Scientific Name

  Acipenser medirostris
• Native

  Yes
• Identification

  

  Green sturgeon, juvenile, in tank. Photo courtesy of Dennis Cocherell, UC Davis.

  

  Green sturgeon, juvenile, on measuring board. Photo courtesy of Dennis Cocherell, UC Davis.

  

  Green sturgeon, larvae, side view. Photo courtesy of Dennis Cocherell, UC Davis.

  

  Green sturgeon, larvae, dorsal view. Photo courtesy of Dennis Cocherell, UC Davis.

  

  Green sturgeon, larvae, ventral view. Photo courtesy of Dennis Cocherell, UC Davis.

  

  Green sturgeon, larvae, swimming. Photo courtesy of Dennis Cocherell, UC Davis.

  PLEASE NOTE: The photos and information shown here are for the species Green Sturgeon, of which the Southern Green Sturgeon is a Distinct Population Segment.

  • Large fish, up to 270 cm TL max (175 kg), over 2 m or 70 kg uncommon
  • Heterocercal tail, upper lobe longer
  • Ventral mouth, protruding vacuum lips
  • Barbels on ventral side of snout, closer to mouth than tip of snout, possess spiracle
  • Have bony plates called scutes instead of scales, plate numbers:
  • Dorsal row: 8-11
  • Lateral rows: 23-30
  • Bottom rows: 7-10
  • Large scute behind dorsal and anal fin
  • Olive green body, olivaceous lateral strip, scutes pale relative to body
  • Fin rays: dorsal 33-36, anal 22-28
• Life History

  Green Sturgeon are an anadromous fish with limited distribution in California. Historically the Klamath and Sacramento River systems had the greatest spawning populations of these fish. Today the Klamath River and its tributaries are home to the largest remaining spawning populations. The Eel River and South Fork Trinity had spawning populations at one time, though they are seemingly non-existent now. The lower reaches of the San Joaquin may have also had spawners at one time. Green Sturgeon have been observed as visitors in the Mad River, Smith River, and Salmon River.

  Green Sturgeon are anadromous though they are considered the most marine of the sturgeon species and their life in freshwater may be relatively limited. Green Sturgeon hatch in freshwater and may leave as yearlings or stay in a river for up to 3 years. Most juveniles migrate downstream during the summer and fall of their second year. The juvenile fish usually remain in the estuary for a period before dispersing into the Pacific. Green Sturgeon are benthic feeders that use their barbels and protruding ventral mouth to find prey. In the estuary sturgeon may feed on amphipods, opossum shrimp, clams, or anchovies. The diet of a sturgeon in the ocean may include sand lances and callianassid shrimp. Sturgeon also feed on other fish. They grow at a rate of approximately 7 cm per year until they reach maturity which is typically at an age of 15-20 years. Green Sturgeon spend 3-13 years in the ocean before returning to their natal streams. Males tend to spend less time at sea than females, and they mature earlier in life. Mature males do not become as large as mature females of the same age. Green Sturgeon of the Klamath River begin moving upstream in late February to late July and spawning takes place between March and July. Sturgeon spawning occurs above cobble in deep, fast water. Each female produces 60,000 to 140,000 eggs which presumably hatch after only 200 hours of incubation time. Green Sturgeon have been documented as living up to 42 years, though some fish biologists believe they may have a maximum life span of 60-70 years.

• Links to Other Research

  N / A