Fin's Fish Guide
The Barbel sturgeon (Acipenser medirostris) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Acipenseridae that grows up to 270 cm.
North Pacific, mainly along the west coast of North America; anadromous.
Description
The green sturgeon is a large, anadromous sturgeon (Acipenseridae) from the northern Pacific, mainly along the west coast of North America. The species can reach about 270 cm and has an elongate, olive-green body with rows of bony plates (scutes) and an inferior mouth with four barbels, with which it sucks bottom invertebrates and small fishes from the bottom. It lives in estuaries, the lower reaches of large rivers and in salt or brackish water off river mouths, and covers great distances in the ocean. For reproduction it migrates into fresh water. Through overfishing and degradation of spawning grounds the species is endangered (EN).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Barbel sturgeon?
The Barbel sturgeon has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly green and shows a plain pattern. Anadromous sturgeon with rows of bony plates and chin barbels; endangered (EN).
Where does the Barbel sturgeon live?
The Barbel sturgeon lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North Pacific, mainly along the west coast of North America; anadromous.
How big does the Barbel sturgeon get?
The Barbel sturgeon grows to a maximum of about 270 cm. On average the species is around 130 cm.
Is the Barbel sturgeon dangerous to humans?
No, the Barbel sturgeon is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Barbel sturgeon edible?
The Barbel sturgeon is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Acipenser
More from the family Acipenseridae
Want the complete picture on the Barbel sturgeon?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Barbel sturgeon is one of 12,519 species in the app.