Scientific Name
Scaphirhynchus platorynchus
Other Names
Hackleback sturgeon
Description
Shovelnose sturgeon are primitive, odd-looking fish. They have several rows of sharp, bony plates along their elongated body, a strongly forked tail, spade-shaped snout, sucker-like mouth, and four barbels. Shovelnose sturgeon are normally brown or olive colored with a cream-colored belly. Average lengths of adults range from 22 to 26 inches in length. These fish are long-lived, reach sexual maturity at age 5 to 10 years, and do not spawn every year.
Habits and Habitat
Shovelnose sturgeon inhabit the Mississippi River and are normally found in deep water with moderately strong current. These fish feed on the bottom and primarily eat aquatic insects. Spawning normally occurs in the spring when water temperatures reach 63ºF to 70ºF over gravel or sand substrate.
State Record
No record is possible because harvest of shovelnose sturgeon is illegal.
Fishing Fact
Shovelnose sturgeon are sometimes caught by anglers running trotlines for catfish on the Mississippi River. Though shovelnose sturgeon are abundant in the Mississippi River, and they have historically been harvested for their roe for caviar, they are currently listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as threatened due to their similarity of appearance with the endangered pallid sturgeon. Harvest of all sturgeon species is prohibited.