This ancient family of fishes has been recognized since the Upper Cretaceous period (136 million years ago), at a time when dinosaurs were at the height of their development.
Life history characteristics of lake sturgeon are unique with respect to other fishes and are as follows:
* Sexual maturity in females is reached between 14 and 33 years, most often from 24-26 years; and, 8 to 12 years for males (but may take up to 22 years).
* Female lake sturgeon spawn once every 4 to 9 years while males spawn every 2 to 7 years.
* Spawning occurs on clean, gravel shoals and stream rapids from April to June in preferred water temperatures of 55-64° F.
* Female lake sturgeon lay 4,000 to 7,000 eggs per pound of fish.
* Growth rates are quite variable throughout its range and depend on temperature, food availability, and water quality.
* The typical life-span of lake sturgeon is 55 years for males and 80-150 years for females.
YES! 80-150 YEARS