Acipenser transmontanus

Also known as Pacific Sturgeon, Columbia Sturgeon, Oregon Sturgeon, Sacramento Sturgeon

White sturgeon are North America's largest freshwater fish, easily recognized by their shark-like profile, prominent bony scutes, and sensitive barbels used to locate food along dark river bottoms. These ancient giants spend decades moving between estuaries, coastal oceans, and deep river channels before returning to swift river currents to spawn. Slow growth and late maturity make them exceptionally vulnerable to river damming, overfishing, and habitat loss.