What is the biggest fish in Lake Huron? Among the many species of fish found in this Northeastern lake, the lake sturgeon, scientifically known as Acipenser Fulvescens, is one of the largest species. Native to North America, lake sturgeon can be found throughout the Great Lakes Basin, with the largest populations being in Lake Huron and in the St. Lawrence River. Growing up to over 6 ft and nearly 200 lbs, the lake sturgeon is the largest single fish species found in the lake.
Due to their large size and long lifespan, lake sturgeon are considered one of the top predators in the lake’s ecosystem. This benthic species can feed on a variety of items ranging from small invertebrates to larger fishes, using the armored plates on the outside of its jaws to capture prey. In addition to their size, lake sturgeons also possess an impressive set of sensory organs, such as barbels that are used to detect food in the dark depths of the lake.
Unlike many other fish populations, lake sturgeon are highly prized among anglers and have been a staple of the Huron recreational fisheries for years. Its long lineage of angling popularity can be traced back to the 1800s when fishing for sturgeons became an integral part of the Huron culture. During these early years, modes of capture varied from seting gill nets to bowfishing, both methods targeting large individuals for commercial purposes.
The popularity of lake sturgeon has come at a steep price, however. Over-exploitation, habitat fragmentation and aquatic pollutants have all contributed to subtle yet noticeable population declines over time. During the late 80s, state regulations were implemented to help protect the species, which have been effective in many ways, though some experts fear these efforts may not be enough to stave off its long-term extinction.
Despite its recent struggles, lake sturgeon continue to play an important role in the lake’s ecosystem. Not only do these large fish provide a healthy forage base for many top predators in the lake, but their presence can also induce new growth in the environmental habitats about them.
The lake sturgeon is an excellent example of an apex predator, one that is capable of occupying a broad range of ecological niches and exerting an important influence over the habitats they occupy. As a result, they are considered a keystone species in the Lake Huron region and its surrounding watersheds, and their presence helps ensure the delicate balance needed to sustain the lake’s livelihood.
Habitat and Population
Lake sturgeon are an important species in Lake Huron; they are a large fish species found in the lake and can grow up to over 6 ft in length. Sturgeon have been a staple of the Huron recreational fisheries for years and are highly prized because of their large size and long lifespan. Despite their popularity, the lake sturgeon population has declined due to over-exploitation, habitat fragmentation and aquatic pollutants that continue to affect their numbers. Regulations have been implemented in attempt to protect them, but some experts fear these efforts may not be enough to stave off their long-term extinction.
Biology
Lake sturgeon, or Acipenser Fulvescens, are native to North America and can be found throughout the Great Lakes Basin. They possess an impressive set of sensory organs, such as barbels that are used to detect food in the dark depths of the lake. As a benthic species, lake sturgeons are capable of feeding on a variety of items ranging from small invertebrates to larger fish, using special armored plates on the outside of their jaws to capture prey.
Angling
Anglers have been fishing for lake sturgeon in Lake Huron since the 1800s. However, over the years their popularity with anglers has led to over-exploitation and a decline in the population size. State regulations have been implemented to help protect the species and to control the harvest, though some experts are worried these efforts may not be enough.
Importance in the Lake Huron Ecosystem
Lake sturgeons are part of the keystone species in the Lake Huron region and its surrounding watersheds; their presence helps ensure the delicate balance needed to sustain the lake’s livelihood. As a large and long-lived fish, lake sturgeons are an important food source for many top predators and indirectly create new growth in the environmental habitats about them.
