Acipenseridae
Acipenseridae is a family of fish that comprises sturgeons and paddlefish. They are characterized by their elongated bodies, cartilaginous skeletons, and the presence of five rows of bony plates called scutes running along their bodies. Acipenseridae are ancient fish, dating back to the Mesozoic Era, with fossils suggesting their existence over 200 million years ago. They are known for their slow growth rates and late maturity, making them vulnerable to overfishing and habitat degradation. Many species are currently facing extinction.
Common Names
Members of the Acipenseridae family are commonly known as sturgeons and paddlefish. Sturgeons are further categorized into various species, including the beluga, Russian sturgeon, and Atlantic sturgeon, among others. Paddlefish, on the other hand, are distinguished by their long, flattened rostrums, resembling a paddle, hence their name. There are two living species of paddlefish, the American paddlefish and the Chinese paddlefish, the latter being critically endangered and potentially extinct.
Characteristics
Acipenseridae possess several distinctive features, including:
- Cartilaginous Skeleton: Unlike most bony fish, they have a skeleton made of cartilage.
- Elongated Body: They exhibit a torpedo-shaped body with a pointed head and a tapering tail.
- Bony Scutes: Five rows of bony plates, called scutes, run along their body, providing protection.
- Barbels: Their mouth is located on the underside of their head and equipped with four barbels, which are sensory organs used to detect prey.
- Long Rostrum (Paddlefish): Paddlefish have a long, flat rostrum that extends from their head, acting as a sensory organ to detect prey.
Environments
Acipenseridae inhabit a variety of freshwater and brackish water environments. They are found in rivers, lakes, and estuaries across the Northern Hemisphere, with some species migrating long distances between freshwater and saltwater habitats. They typically prefer cool, clear waters with sandy or gravelly bottoms.
References
Wikipedia: Acipenseridae
FishBase: Acipenseridae
IUCN Red List: Acipenseridae