Acipenseriformes

Acipenseriformes is an order of ray-finned fish that includes sturgeons and paddlefish. They are ancient fish, with a fossil record dating back to the Early Cretaceous period, and are considered living fossils. They are characterized by their elongated bodies, cartilaginous skeletons, and heterocercal tails.

Adriatic sturgeon – Acipenser naccarii

Siberian sturgeon – Acipenser baerii

Shortnose sturgeon – Acipenser brevirostrum

White sturgeon – Acipenser transmontanus

Starry sturgeon – Acipenser stellatus

Sterlet sturgeon – Acipenser ruthenus

Lake sturgeon – Acipenser fulvescens

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: