Sturgeons

Sturgeons are large fish that have been around for more than 200 million years. They have bony plates along their body instead of regular scales. Sturgeons live in rivers, lakes, and seas in many parts of the world. Some kinds can grow very big and live a long time.

Ancient Giants

Sturgeons look a lot like they did when dinosaurs were alive. Their long bodies can grow huge, especially the beluga sturgeon. A beluga can reach over 15 feet long and weigh more than 2,000 pounds. Sturgeons swim along the bottom of rivers and lakes. They use whiskers under their nose called barbels to find food.

Slow Growers

Sturgeons grow very slowly and can live for over 100 years. Some do not have babies until they are 20 years old. This slow life makes it hard for sturgeon numbers to grow back when too many are caught. Sadly, many kinds of sturgeon are endangered today. People are working hard to protect them.

Fun Facts

• Sturgeons have no teeth and swallow their food whole.
• Their eggs are sold as a fancy food called caviar.
• There are 27 different kinds of sturgeon.

Did You Know?

Sturgeons sometimes leap completely out of the water. Scientists are not sure why they do this, but it might be to talk to other sturgeons.