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HABITAT AND CHARACTERISTICS: The sturgeon inhabits the lower sections of larger rivers and coastal waters along the Atlantic coast. It may spend most of the year in brackish or salt water and move into fresh water only to spawn. The fish feeds on invertebrates (shrimp, worms, etc.) and stems and leaves of macrophytes.
DESCRIPTION: The shortnose sturgeon is usually less than 3 feet long. It is dark above and light below. It has a wide mouth pointed downward beneath a short snout. Five rows of sharp, pointed plates along the sides of its body provide protection from predators.
Where they live: Shortnose sturgeons are restricted to the east coast of North America, from the St. John River in New Brunswick, Canada, to the Indian River in Florida.
Why they are endangered: Shortnose sturgeon populations in North America have declined due to overfishing, loss of habitat- Construction of dams and pollution of many large northeastern river systems during the period of industrial growth in the late 1800's and early 1900's may have resulted in substantial loss of suitable habitat., limited access to spawning areas and water pollution. Also they do not breed a lot compared to other fish. Females usually breed every third to fifth year. They don’t really have any predators beside human actions.
SHORTNOSE STURGEON
History: The Shortnose sturgeon has lived on earth for many decades. Experts believe the Shortnose was hear when the dinosaurs were.
Works Cited Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection - Wildlife Division. "Endangered species slide show." depdata.ct.gov. 2002-2008. 27 Oct. 2008 . Rainey, Lisa. "Shortnose Sturgeon ." www.tenan.vuurwerk.nl/.../sturgeon-lisa.htm. 27 Oct. 2008 . U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. "SHORTNOSE STURGEON ." www.fws.gov/nc-es/fish/shortst.html. 27 Oct. 2008 .
