Pallid Sturgeon

**(Scaphirhynchus albus)**

Pallid sturgeon are bottom dwelling, slow growing fish that feed primarily on small fish and immature aquatic insects. This species of sturgeon is seldom seen and is one of the least understood fish in the Missouri and Mississippi River drainages. It is an ancient species that has existed since the days of the dinosaurs.

Photo by South Dakota Game Fish and Parks; Sam Stukel

Status: Endangered, listed September 6, 1990 (PDF )

Habitat: Mississippi River downstream of its confluence with the Missouri River; Ohio River below Dam #53; Missouri River

Range: Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, South Dakota, Tennessee

Lead Region: 6

Region 3 Lead Office: Columbia ES, Missouri Field Office

The pallid sturgeon experienced a dramatic decline throughout its range since the mid to late 1960's. Nearly all of its habitat has been modified through river channelization,
construction of impoundments, and related changes in water flow. These changes blocked the pallid sturgeon's movements, destroyed or altered its spawning areas, reduced its food sources or its ability to obtain food, and altered water temperatures and other environmental conditions necessary for the fish's survival.

The pallid sturgeon was listed as endangered in 1990 and recovery efforts include research to learn more about its life history and habitat requirements, artificial propagation to improve its numbers, habitat improvement and reducing mortality from commercial fishing.

Listen to a podcast about Pallid Sturgeon!