Missouri Department of Conservation
Missouri Department of
Conservation
Common Name: STURGEON, LAKE
Phylum: CHORDATA
Class: OSTEICHTHYES
Order: ACIPENSERIFORMES
Family: ACIPENSERIDAE
Genus: ACIPENSER
Species: FULVESCENS
Taxonomic Authority: RAFINESQUE
Taxonomy References: 002
NONGAME
STATE ENDANGERED
STATE RANK S1
GLOBAL RANK G3G4
Status References: 003 , 007 , 019
"In Missouri, occurs in large rivers over firm sand, gravel or rocky bottom."
Primary Habitat: "Aquatic - river/stream"
References: 001
"Known only from the largest rivers in Missouri. A stocking program began in 1984, and there have been subsequent reports of sightings in the Missouri, Mississippi and Osage rivers *001*."
| Known | Likely | Unknown | Not Likely | Historic | Extirpated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOONE | ANDREW | ADAIR | |||
| BUCHANAN | ATCHISON | AUDRAIN | |||
| CALLAWAY | CHARITON | BARRY | |||
| CARROLL | CLARK | BARTON | |||
| COLE | COOPER | BATES | |||
| FRANKLIN | HOWARD | BENTON | |||
| GASCONADE | JACKSON | BOLLINGER | |||
| HOLT | LEWIS | BUTLER | |||
| JEFFERSON | PLATTE | CALDWELL | |||
| LAFAYETTE | ST. CHARLES | CAMDEN | |||
| LINCOLN | CAPE GIRARDEAU | ||||
| MARION | CARTER | ||||
| MILLER | CASS | ||||
| MISSISSIPPI | CEDAR | ||||
| MONITEAU | CHRISTIAN | ||||
| MONTGOMERY | CLINTON | ||||
| OSAGE | CRAWFORD | ||||
| PERRY | DADE | ||||
| PHELPS | DALLAS | ||||
| PIKE | DAVIESS | ||||
| RALLS | DEKALB | ||||
| RAY | DENT | ||||
| SALINE | DOUGLAS | ||||
| ST. LOUIS | DUNKLIN | ||||
| WARREN | GENTRY | ||||
| GREENE | |||||
| GRUNDY | |||||
| HARRISON | |||||
| HENRY | |||||
| HICKORY | |||||
| HOWELL | |||||
| IRON | |||||
| JASPER | |||||
| JOHNSON | |||||
| KNOX | |||||
| LACLEDE | |||||
| LAWRENCE | |||||
| LINN | |||||
| LIVINGSTON | |||||
| MACON | |||||
| MADISON | |||||
| MARIES | |||||
| MCDONALD | |||||
| MERCER | |||||
| MISSISSIPPI | |||||
| MONROE | |||||
| MORGAN | |||||
| NEW MADRID | |||||
| NEWTON | |||||
| NODAWAY | |||||
| OREGON | |||||
| OZARK | |||||
| PEMISCOT | |||||
| PETTIS | |||||
| POLK | |||||
| PULASKI | |||||
| PUTNAM | |||||
| RANDOLPH | |||||
| REYNOLDS | |||||
| RIPLEY | |||||
| SCHUYLER | |||||
| SCOTLAND | |||||
| SCOTT | |||||
| SHANNON | |||||
| SHELBY | |||||
| ST. CLAIR | |||||
| ST. FRANCOIS | |||||
| STE. GENEVIEVE | |||||
| STODDARD | |||||
| STONE | |||||
| SULLIVAN | |||||
| TANEY | |||||
| TEXAS | |||||
| VERNON | |||||
| WASHINGTON | |||||
| WAYNE | |||||
| WEBSTER | |||||
| WORTH | |||||
| WRIGHT |
References for distribution: 001 , 006 , 013 , 015
Miss. R. from Des Moines R. to MO. R.; and North R.
Miss. R. from St. Louis to River Aux Vases
Miss. R. from River Aux Vases to Ohio R.
Miss R. from Ohio R. to Arkansas Border
Mo. R. from Nishnabotna R. to Nodaway R.
Mo.R. from Nodaway to Kansas City
Osage R. from Bagnell Dam to Mo. R.
Gasconade R. from Big Piney R. to Mo. R.
Mo. R. from Kansas City to Little Chariton R.
Mo. R. from Little Chariton R. to Gasconade R.
Mo. R. from Gasconade R. to Miss. R.
Comments: ""
Central Till Plains, Ozark Highlands
Comments: ""
Bluestem Prairie/Oak Hickory Forest
Oak-Hickory Forest
Glaciated Plains: Eastern
Glaciated Plains: Lincoln Hills
Big Rivers: Upper Missouri
Big Rivers: Lower Missouri
Big Rivers: Upper Mississippi
Big Rivers: Lower Mississippi
Ozark Border: Missouri River
Ozark: Upper Ozark
Species is associated with "Aquatic" habitats.
Riverine
"Riverine, lower perennial", "Unconsolidated bottom, cobble/gravel"
"Riverine, lower perennial", "Unconsolidated bottom, sand"
References for Aquatic Associations: 001
Permanent Stream
References for Habitat Types: 004
References for Terrestrial Natural Communities:
"Carnivore"
Comments for larval food habits:
""
References for larval food habits:
Comments for Juvenile Food Habits:
""
References Juvenile Food Habits
Osteichthyes (bony fishes); Egg stage
Trichoptera (caddisflies); Larva stage
Diptera (flies, midges, mosquitos, gnats); Larva stage
Trichoptera (caddisflies); Not Specified
Aquatic Insects; Not Specified
Arthropods; Not Specified
Oligochaetes (earthworms); Not Specified
Hirudineans (leeches); Not Specified
Bivalve molluscs; Not Specified
Insects
Insects; Not Specified
Ephemeroptera (mayflies); Not Specified
Snails; Not Specified
Crustaceans; Not Specified
Branchiopods (Daphnia, Cladocera); Not Specified
Ostracods (Eucypris); Not Specified
Copepods (Cyclops, Calanus); Not Specified
Malacostraca (lobster, shrimp, crayfish, crabs); Not Specified
Osteichthyes (bony fishes); Adult Stage
Comments for Adult Food Habits:
""
References Adult Food Habits 001 , 008 , 009 , 010 , 011 , 017
Water temperature specified in comments(00010)
Water level: permanently flooded
References for egg niches requirements: 010 , 011
References for feeding larvae niche requirements:
References for resting Larvae niche requirements:
Water temperature specified in comments(00010)
Turbidity: moderate turbidity
Bottom type: sand
Bottom type: gravel
Bottom type: rubble
Water level: permanently flooded
Water depth specified in comments(00230)
Inland wetlands: permanent stream
Inland wetlands specified in comments(00250)
References for feeding juvenile niche requirements: 001 , 008 , 010 , 013
Inland wetlands specified in comments(00250)
References for resting juvenile niche requirements: 001 , 008 , 010 , 013
Water temperature specified in comments(00010)
Turbidity: moderate turbidity
Siltation: low
Bottom type: gravel
Bottom type: rubble
Water level: permanently flooded
Inland wetlands: permanent stream
Inland wetlands specified in comments(00250)
Stream order: ninth order or greater stream
Stream order specified in comments(00260)
Natural features: riffles
Natural features specified in comments(00280)
References for feeding Adult niche requirements: 001 , 008 , 010 , 011 , 012 , 013
Water temperature specified in comments(00010)
Turbidity: moderate turbidity
Siltation: low
Bottom type: sand
Bottom type: gravel
Bottom type: rubble
Big river habitat: main channel
Water level: permanently flooded
Water depth specified in comments(00230)
Inland wetlands: permanent stream
Inland wetlands specified in comments(00250)
Stream order: ninth order or greater stream
References for feeding adult niche requirements: 001 , 008 , 010 , 013 , 018 , 020
Water temperature specified in comments(00010)
Turbidity: moderate turbidity
Siltation: low
Bottom type: sand
Bottom type: gravel
Bottom type: rubble
Big river habitat: main channel
Water level: permanently flooded
Water depth specified in comments(00230)
Inland wetlands: permanent stream
Inland wetlands specified in comments(00250)
Stream order: ninth order or greater stream
References for resting adult niche requirements: 001 , 008 , 013
Big river habitat: main channel
Bottom type: gravel
Bottom type: rubble
Bottom type: sand
Inland wetlands specified in comments(00250)
Inland wetlands: permanent stream
Natural features specified in comments(00280)
Natural features: riffles
Siltation: low
Stream order specified in comments(00260)
Stream order: ninth order or greater stream
Turbidity: moderate turbidity
Water depth specified in comments(00230)
Water level: permanently flooded
Water temperature specified in comments(00010)
| Code | Comment |
|---|---|
| 008 | 1 female spawns with several males simultaneously *10* |
| 035 | Predators include suckers, carp, catfish, and other sturgeons. Parasites include lampreys *10*. |
| 039 | Average size in Lake Winnebago, WI is 56" and 49 pounds *10*. |
| 004 | Swims close to the bottom dragging barbels over substrate to find food *01,10* |
| 007 | Spawn in late spring *01,08*, in WI, spawn late April-early May *10*, in canada, spawn late May - 3rd week OK June *12* |
| 012 | Usually spawn just under surface, but occasionally spawn at depths up to 15' *10*. In MI, spawning sites consisted of >80% cobble and pebble *023*. |
| 020 | Eggs hatch into sac-larvae, yolk sac is absorbed in about 10 days at water temperature 68 degrees F *10* |
| 022 | Mature in 20 years *01,08* when about 4' long and weigh 20-30 pounds. *01*. In IL, mature when 15-20 years old and 30 " long *11*. In WI, males mature when 14-16 years old and 45" long, females when 24-26 years old and 55" long *10*. In a canada study, females first spawn when 14-23 years old, average 18.1 years, males first spawn when 15-19 years old. Spawning may be delayed 2-3 years after reaching maturity *12*. |
| 024 | In WI, the majority of fish greater than 60" long are females, and 97% of the fish more than 30 years old are female *10*. |
| 028 | In a MN radiotelemetry study, used activity centers of .2-.8 river miles 78.9-89.5% of the time. Individuals showed preferenced for certain pools, and 6 of 8 returned to the original capture sites after transmitters were implanted. Daily movements ranged from 425' to 14,573'. Upstream movements were correlated with rising water, and downstream movements with falling water levels. *21* |
| 030 | In a MN study, were more active at night *21*. |
| 034 | Overexploitation by man is a major limiting factor in WI *10* |
| 099 | Females don't spawn every year *01*. In WI, females generally spawn every 4-6 years, most males spawn every other year though some spawn every year *10*. In canada, the interval between spawning periods can vary from 4-7 years or more *12*. Often travel in loose aggregations *10*. Exhibit a strong homing tendency *10*. Some migrate long distances prior to spawning *08*. In WI, males arrive at spawning grounds earlier than females *10*. Eggs are adhesive and attach to rocks or other submerged objects *10*. In WI, young are thought to remain in the smaller rivers where they hatch until they are 1 year old, when they are found with the adults *10* average annual recruitment is 6-8% in WI *10*. |
| 038 | Individuals 40 years old are not uncommon, maximum reported age Is 152 *01*. The largest specimen reported from MO weighed 97 pounds. *01*. Females live longer and grow larger than males *01,10*. Growth is very slow - takes 4-5 years to reach 20" and 1 pound *01*. In WI, first grow faster in length than in weight, after maturity, grow more rapidly in weight. At age 1 - 11" long, at age 3 - 23", at age 6 -33", at age 8 - 40", age 15 - 30" *10*. |
| 041 | A female may lay up to 500,000 eggs, but females do not spawn every year *10* |
Home range size specified in comments(028)
Periodicity specified in comments(030)
Limiting factors specified in comments(034)
Regulatory factors specified in comments(035)
Age and growth information specified in comments(038)
Length-weight relationships specified in comments(039)
School during fry stage
Fecundity specified in comments(041)
Other life history information specified in comments(099)
Origin in state: native
Seasonal distribution in state: all seasons
Foraging strategy specified in comments(004)
Foraging sites: water
Foraging sites: feed on bottom of stream, lake or pond
Breeding season specified in comments(007)
Mating system specified in comments(008)
Duration of pair bond: no pair bond formed
Spawning site: flowing water
Spawning site: gravel
Spawning site: rocks
Spawning site specified in comments(012)
Development of young at birth/hatching specified in comments(020)
Parental care of young: no care
Age at sexual maturity specified in comments(022)
Sex ratio specified in comments(024)
| Code | Comment |
|---|---|
| 008 | 1 female spawns with several males simultaneously *10* |
| 035 | Predators include suckers, carp, catfish, and other sturgeons. Parasites include lampreys *10*. |
| 039 | Average size in Lake Winnebago, WI is 56" and 49 pounds *10*. |
| 004 | Swims close to the bottom dragging barbels over substrate to find food *01,10* |
| 007 | Spawn in late spring *01,08*, in WI, spawn late April-early May *10*, in canada, spawn late May - 3rd week OK June *12* |
| 012 | Usually spawn just under surface, but occasionally spawn at depths up to 15' *10*. In MI, spawning sites consisted of >80% cobble and pebble *023*. |
| 020 | Eggs hatch into sac-larvae, yolk sac is absorbed in about 10 days at water temperature 68 degrees F *10* |
| 022 | Mature in 20 years *01,08* when about 4' long and weigh 20-30 pounds. *01*. In IL, mature when 15-20 years old and 30 " long *11*. In WI, males mature when 14-16 years old and 45" long, females when 24-26 years old and 55" long *10*. In a canada study, females first spawn when 14-23 years old, average 18.1 years, males first spawn when 15-19 years old. Spawning may be delayed 2-3 years after reaching maturity *12*. |
| 024 | In WI, the majority of fish greater than 60" long are females, and 97% of the fish more than 30 years old are female *10*. |
| 028 | In a MN radiotelemetry study, used activity centers of .2-.8 river miles 78.9-89.5% of the time. Individuals showed preferenced for certain pools, and 6 of 8 returned to the original capture sites after transmitters were implanted. Daily movements ranged from 425' to 14,573'. Upstream movements were correlated with rising water, and downstream movements with falling water levels. *21* |
| 030 | In a MN study, were more active at night *21*. |
| 034 | Overexploitation by man is a major limiting factor in WI *10* |
| 099 | Females don't spawn every year *01*. In WI, females generally spawn every 4-6 years, most males spawn every other year though some spawn every year *10*. In canada, the interval between spawning periods can vary from 4-7 years or more *12*. Often travel in loose aggregations *10*. Exhibit a strong homing tendency *10*. Some migrate long distances prior to spawning *08*. In WI, males arrive at spawning grounds earlier than females *10*. Eggs are adhesive and attach to rocks or other submerged objects *10*. In WI, young are thought to remain in the smaller rivers where they hatch until they are 1 year old, when they are found with the adults *10* average annual recruitment is 6-8% in WI *10*. |
| 038 | Individuals 40 years old are not uncommon, maximum reported age Is 152 *01*. The largest specimen reported from MO weighed 97 pounds. *01*. Females live longer and grow larger than males *01,10*. Growth is very slow - takes 4-5 years to reach 20" and 1 pound *01*. In WI, first grow faster in length than in weight, after maturity, grow more rapidly in weight. At age 1 - 11" long, at age 3 - 23", at age 6 -33", at age 8 - 40", age 15 - 30" *10*. |
| 041 | A female may lay up to 500,000 eggs, but females do not spawn every year *10* |
References for life history: 001 , 008 , 010 , 011 , 012 , 021 , 023
Water - develop/maintain spawning/nesting facilities
Water - control sedimentation
Water - control pollution (thermal, physical, chemical)
Water - develop/maintain streamside vegetation
Water - stabilize streambanks
Agricultural - control erosion
Beneficial Management References: 001 , 008 , 010
Water - navigational improvements (channelization, dams, locks)
Water - stream channelization
Water - gravel dredging in streams
Adverse Management References: 001 , 008 , 010
Comments on Management:
Best management is to maintain natural conditions favoring spawning *010*. Should avoid channel alterations that limit or eliminate shannow, sloping bank habitats, and alteration and removal of shallow rock and gravel areas *022*. Artificial spawning areas can be constructed with riprap where natural conditions are not adequate *010*. Construction of dams is adverse *001,008,010*. Artificial propagation and stocking may offer the greatest potential for reestablishment of population in MO *014*.
References for Management Comments: 022 , 001 , 008 , 010 , 014
| Reference Code | Citation |
|---|---|
| 001 | Pflieger, W.L. 1997. The Fishes Of Missouri, Revised Edition. MO Dept. Of Conservation. Jefferson City, Mo. 372 Pp. |
| 002 | Nelson, Joseph S., Edwin J. Crossman, Héctor Espinosa-Pérez, Lloyd T. Findley, Carter R. Gilbert, Robert N. Lea, and James D. Williams. 2004. Common And Scientific Names Of Fishes From The United States, Canada and Mexico (6th Ed.). Amer. Fish Soc. Spec. Publ. No. 29. 386 pp. |
| 003 | The Wildlife Code of Missouri. Missouri Department of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102. 573-751-4115. |
| 004 | Kelly, G. (Ed.) 1986. Animal Habitat Relations Handbook. Mo Dept. Of Conservation and U.S.D.A. Forest Service. Jefferson City, Mo. 293 Pp. |
| 005 | Thom, R.H. and J.H. Wilson. 1980 The Natural Divisions Of Missouri. Trans. Mo Acad. Sci. 14:9-24. |
| 006 | Unpb Pflieger, W.L. Mo Dept. Of Conservation, 1110 S. College Ave., Columbia, Mo 65201. (573-882-9880). |
| 007 | Rare And Endangered Species Checklist Of Missouri. 1997. MO Dept. Of Conservation. Natural Heritage Database. 33 Pp. |
| 008 | Cross, F.B. 1967. Handbook Of Fishes Of Kanss. Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Misc. Publ. 45. 357 Pp. |
| 009 | Probst, R.T. and E.L. Cooper. 1954. Age, Growth, And Production Of The Lake Sturgeon (Acipenser Fulvescens) In The Winnebago Region, Wisconsin. Trans. Am. Fish. Soc. 84:207-227. |
| 010 | Priegel, G.R. and T.L. Wirth. 1971. The Lake Sturgeon, Its Life History, Ecology, And Management. Wisc. Dept. Nat. Res. Publ. 240-70. 20 Pp. |
| 011 | Smith, P.W. 1979. The Fishes Of Illinois. Univ. Ill. Press. Urbana, Chicago, and London. 314 Pp. |
| 012 | Roussow, G. 1957. Some Considerations Concerning Sturgeon Spawning Periodicity. Jour. Fish. Res. Board Canada 14(4):553-572. |
| 013 | Unpb Pflieger, W.L. The Stream Resources Of Missouri. D-J Project F-1-R-28. Study S-20. Mo Dept. Of Conserv., 1110 S. College Ave., Columbia, Mo 65201. (573-882-9880). |
| 014 | Carlson, D.M. and W.L. Pflieger. 1981. Abundance And Life History Of The Lake, Pallid, And Shovelnose Sturgeons In Missouri. D-J Proj. Se-1-6, Job No. 1. |
| 015 | Unpb Missouri Department of Conservation Heritage Database. P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, Mo 65102. |
| 016 | Pflieger, W.L. 1989. Aquatic Community Classification System For Missouri. Mo Dept. Of Conservation. Aquatic Series No. 19. 70 Pp + Supplement. |
| 017 | Choudhury, A., R. Brush and T.A. Dick. 1996. Helminths And Food Habits Of Lake Sturgeon Acipenser Fulvescens From The Lake Winnebago System, Wisconsin. Am. Midl. Nat. 135:274-282. |
| 018 | Unpb Gelwicks, G.T. 1995. Fish Movement Between The Lower Missouri River And A Managed Floodplain Wetland In Missouri. M.S. Thesis, Univ. Of Missouri-Columbia. 190 Pp. |
| 019 | Missouri Natural Heritage Program. 2004. Missouri Species and Communities of Conservation Concern Checklist. Missouri Department Of Conservation. Jefferson City, Missouri. 47 Pp. |
| 020 | Morse, S.D., H.T. Weaver, A.T. Linder and R.A. Hugill. 1997. Habitat Suitability Curves For Lake Sturgeon Based On Radio-Telemetry Observations In The Kettle River, Minnesota. Mn. Dept. Nat. Res. Completion Rept., Proj. F-29-R(P), Area 330, Study 4, Job 448. 48 Pp. |
| 021 | Borkholder, B.D., H.T. Weaver, S.D. Morse, A.T. Linder, R.A. Hugill, L.M. Schwarzkopf, T.E. Perrault and M.J. Zacher. 1997. Movements Of Lake Sturgeon In The Kettle River, Minnesota, Based Upon Radio-Telemetry. Mn Dept. Nat. Res. Completion Report. Project F-29-R(P),Area 330, Study 4, Job 418. 40 Pp. |
| 022 | Missouri Department Of Conservation. Best Management Practices: Lake Sturgeon. Mo Dept. Conservation, Jefferson City, Mo. |
| 023 | Chiotti, J.A., J.M. Holtgren, N.A. Aver, and S.A. Ogren. 2008. Lake sturgeon spawning habitat in the Big Manistee River, Michigan. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 28: 1009-1019. |