Scaphirhynchus albus
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pallid_sturgeon
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
The pallid sturgeon faces severe population decline due to extensive river modification throughout the Missouri and Mississippi river systems. Dam construction has fragmented its habitat and altered natural flow regimes essential for spawning, while channelization has eliminated critical shallow-water nursery areas. Water diversions and pollution from agricultural runoff further degrade remaining habitat quality.
Habitat
Inhabits large, turbid rivers with strong currents, particularly the Missouri and Mississippi river systems and their major tributaries. Requires diverse habitat types including deep pools for adults and shallow, sandy areas with moderate current for spawning and juvenile development.
