TURNERS FALLS, Mass. (WWLP) – Evidence of a prehistoric fish on the endangered species list has been detected in the Connecticut River.
The shortnose sturgeon is found in major rivers along the East Coast of North America from Florida to New Brunswick, Canada, according to Mass.gov . However, the Connecticut River Conservancy said their presence has declined due to the numerous dams, habitat degradation, and commercial fishing for migrating upstream.
The shortnose sturgeon is a prehistoric fish that dates back to the time of dinosaurs, around 136 million years ago. Shortnose sturgeon is one of the largest fish species in Massachusetts inland waters. They vary in color from yellow-brown to black-olive on the dorsal surface and have a white belly. They do not have many scales but have five rows of bony plates that are called scutes.
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They typically spawn in large freshwater rivers and migrate from the mouths of rivers, traveling 10 to 100 miles to reach suitable spawning upstream. They can live up to 60 years, and do not reach reproductive maturity until they are 10–12 years old.