2025 MURAL SPECIES!
lake sturgeon
Ojibwe: Nmegoos
Latin: Acipenser fulvescens
STATUS:
US STATUS: No Status/Not Listed
MI STATUS: T - Threatened (Legally Protected)
ARTIST:
TAYLOR BERMAN
Taylor is an artist and educator living in the St. Croix Valley of Wisconsin, about 30 miles east of the Twin Cities. His work consists of both aesthetic and functional art forms, from printmaking and mural painting, to knife making and fly tying. Regardless of medium, the work Taylor creates is often inspired by his love for spending time outdoors, and reflects many of the animals, plants, and geology observed while exploring new places and various aspects of the natural world.
Find more of Taylor’s work here!
EDUCATOR:
TERA JOHN
Tera John is Anishinnaabekwe tribal member (Grand Traverse Band) doing work in species restoration and river connectivity as a TEK educator throughout 1836 Treaty territory (present day West Michigan).
Visit our Lake Sturgeon mural in downtown Grand Rapids at 56 Front Avenue NW!
Description:
Lake sturgeon are characterized by a robust, torpedo-shaped body covered by five rows of bony plates or scutes. The snout is cone-shaped with four barbells preceding a ventral mouth. The tail is asymmetrical with a longer upper lobe (heterocercal).
Habitat and Occurrence
If you’re looking to find a Lake Sturgeon for yourself, check within the following ecosystems within the green counties on the map!
• Great Lakes
• River Pools, Runs and Riffles
• Streams
All information on this page is generously provided by the Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI). For more information about Spotted Turtles - visit the species description here: mnfi.anr.msu.edu/lake-sturgeon. To learn more about Michigan’s biodiversity, ecological communities and natural heritage, visit mnfi.anr.msu.edu
get involved with lake sturgeon conservation!
If you want to get involved in Lake Sturgeon conservation here in Michigan, there are many organizations who work to protect the habitats where it resides! Volunteer with some of these organizations and help protect the habitat that Lake Sturgeon need in order to survive.
report an observation
MNFI stewards the Michigan Natural Heritage Database and track observations of some of Michigan’s rarest forms of life to fully understand the population and range of rare species to protect biodiversity in Michigan. If you have encountered a Lake Sturgeon, you can share the location information with these trusted conservation professionals here: mnfi.anr.msu.edu/species/report