Common Names
Acipenseriformes are commonly known as sturgeons and paddlefish. The order contains two families: Acipenseridae (sturgeons) and Polyodontidae (paddlefish).
Characteristics
Acipenseriformes have a number of distinctive characteristics that set them apart from other fish. These include:
- An elongated, fusiform body
- A cartilaginous skeleton
- Five rows of bony scutes (plates) along the body
- A heterocercal tail (the upper lobe is longer than the lower lobe)
- A protrusible mouth with barbels
- A lack of scales
Environment
Acipenseriformes are found in both freshwater and brackish water habitats. They are typically found in rivers, lakes, and estuaries.
References
For more information on Acipenseriformes, please refer to the following websites:
