As lake sturgeon drift down river they begin to grow and eventually become juvenile sturgeon. A picture of a juvenile sturgeon is seen on the right. Juvenile sturgeon are much larger than larval sturgeon, but they still have may threats to survive before they reach adulthood.

Juvenile sturgeon may be eaten by birds or by larger fish, even at this size in their growth. Juveniles also require certain types of food and habitat which may be scarce in some rivers.

Can you see the juvenile sturgeon in the photo to the right?

Juvenile lake sturgeon often have black spots on them, as this one does, so they can blend with the coloring of the bottom.

Juvenile lake sturgeon being released back into the water.