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Atlantic Sturgeon

Atlantic Sturgeon

Atlantic Sturgeon are prehistoric anadromous fish that represent Georgia's longest freshwater species, capable of exceeding 8 feet in length and weighing up to 800 pounds.

These ancient fish are characterized by five rows of bony scutes along their bodies, four barbels under their snout, and a shark-like heterocercal tail.

Scientific Name: Acipenser oxyrinchus

Physical Characteristics:
  • In Georgia, adults typically reach around 200 pounds and live 25-30 years, maturing much faster than northern populations.
  • These ancient fish are characterized by five rows of bony scutes along their bodies, four barbels under their snout, and a shark-like heterocercal tail.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Adults aggregate offshore of major river systems like the Savannah River during winter months.
  • Juveniles use estuarine nursery areas that contract to critical summer refugia during high temperatures.

Key Locations

  • Savannah, Ogeechee, Altamaha, Satilla, and St.
  • Marys Rivers, with the Savannah and Altamaha hosting the most robust populations that produce hundreds to thousands of juveniles annually.

Specific Spots

  • Adults spawn in freshwater near the fall line over hard substrates (gravel, cobble, rock) in moderately flowing water.

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