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Status of the Pallid Sturgeon: Scaphirhynchus albus
Author(s) -
Kallemeyn Larry
Publication year - 1983
Publication title -
fisheries
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.725
H-Index - 79
eISSN - 1548-8446
pISSN - 0363-2415
DOI - 10.1577/1548-8446(1983)008<0003:sotps>2.0.co;2
Subject(s) - endangered species , threatened species , sturgeon , tributary , fishery , habitat , geography , range (aeronautics) , critically endangered , habitat destruction , ecology , biology , fish <actinopterygii> , cartography , materials science , composite material
Information presented concerning the pallid sturgeon, Scaphirhynchus albus , was compiled from published and unpublished papers, from personal communications with numerous biologists, and from the results of a survey of 45 agencies and individuals. Pallid sturgeon occur in the Missouri River and the lower half of the Mississippi River and certain of their tributaries. Of the 250 pallids that were reported, approximately 76% were collected from the Missouri River in Montana and the Dakotas. Because of the rarity of this species, information on its life history is limited. Regression equations were developed for the length‐weight relationships of pallids from two Missouri River reservoirs. The apparent rarity of the pallid sturgeon and the lack of knowledge concerning it has prompted 9 of the 13 states within its range to classify it as either threatened or endangered or to give it some other special recognition. The Endangered Species Committee of the American Fisheries Society has also classified it as threatened throughout its range. Additional information is needed on its habitat requirements if it is to be protected from habitat destruction or modification.