Disclaimer:

The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.

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Common name: Lake Sturgeon

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: Trautman (1981); Becker (1983); Page and Burr (1991); Etnier and Starnes (1993).

Size: 274 cm

Native Range: St. Lawrence-Great Lakes, Hudson Bay, and Mississippi River basins from Quebec to Alberta and south to Alabama and Louisiana; Coosa River system (Mobile Bay drainage), Alabama and Georgia (Page and Burr 1991).

Alaska	Hawaii	Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands	Guam Saipan

Native range data for this species provided in part by NatureServe

Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Means of Introduction: Intentionally stocked.

Status: Unknown.

Impact of Introduction: The impacts of this species are currently unknown, as no studies have been done to determine how it has affected ecosystems in the invaded range. The absence of data does not equate to lack of effects. It does, however, mean that research is required to evaluate effects before conclusions can be made.

Remarks: In 1901, 20,000 Lake Sturgeon were stocked in the Missisquoi River at Swanton, Vermont (Ravenel 1902). The stocking locality is just upriver from Lake Champlain, its native range. Lake Sturgeon are rare throughout most of their range (Becker 1983).

 

Stocked as part of a restoration program to re-introduce sturgeon into the Coosa River Basin. Between 2002-2007 24,813 fish stocked. These sturgeon may not be genetically the same as those that originally occurred here (Beisser 2007).

Lake Sturgeon also have been introduced into several lakes in Wisconsin including Big Cedar Lake in Washington County, Madison lakes in Dane County, Chain of Lakes in Waupaca County, and Pear Lake in Washburn county, among others (Becker 1983).  These locations are also within thier native range (C. Gilbert, pers.comm.).

References: (click for full references)

Becker, G. C. 1983. Fishes of Wisconsin. University of Wisconsin Press, Madison, WI.

Etnier, D. A., and W. C. Starnes. 1993. The Fishes of Tennessee. University of Tennessee Press, Knoxville, TN.

Page, L. M., and B. M. Burr. 1991. A field guide to freshwater fishes of North America north of Mexico. The Peterson Field Guide Series, volume 42. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, MA.

Trautman, M. B. 1981. The Fishes of Ohio. Ohio State University Press, Columbus, OH.

Other Resources:

Author: Fuller, P.

Peer Review Date: 3/1/2009

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.