Family Acipenseridae - sturgeons

Presently, there are about twenty four living species of sturgeons. The sturgeons are an ancient group of fishes having survived millions of years of evolution. Their skeleton consists primarily of cartilage and externally have rows of bony plates extending down the body. The snout has barbels and is triangular shaped with a protrusible tubelike mouth located ventrally for bottom feeding. Sturgeon flesh and roe are considered excellent and with some sturgeons attaining weights greater than 500 kilos, they have attracted sport and commercial fishers.

Green Sturgeon- Acipenser medirostris

Remarks: These unique fish have been caught periodically near the mouth and inlet channels of the bay. Although infrequently seen within the bay, the green sturgeon is common in nearby river systems.

Identification: The only fish which will have a sucker like mouth and a row of bony plates down its back and along its sides. Coloration is greenish above with a pale to white belly. Green sturgeons have a slightly pointed snout with four barbels near the mouth. Individuals may exceed 2m and weigh 159kg.

Range: Common to brackish environments but also found in rivers and the ocean. Ranges from Japan to southern California.