530 AMERICAN FISHES. 
attains a length of six feet or perhaps somewhat more, but its average 
size is considerably less. 
It is the object of a considerable fishery in the west. The caviar made 
from its eggs is ranked as the best produced in the United States, the egys 
being larger than those of the common eastern species, though the fish 
which produces them is smaller than its eastern congener. ‘The lake 
caviar sold in 1898 for about 80 cents per pound, whereas the Delaware 
product sold for 60 cents, and the Southern Atlantic for 50 cents per 
pound.” 
The “Sacramento Sturgeon” or “ Oregon Sturgeon” (Acéipenser trans- 
montanus), known also as the “‘White Sturgeon,” is the largest and most 
important of the Pacific coast species. It ranges from Monterey to Alaska, 
and in spring ascends the large rivers, as the Sacramento, Columbia, and 
Fraser, to continue the race. It attains a length of about eight feet, and 
mature fishes weigh from 300 to 600 pounds. Its flesh finds a conspicuous 
place in the markets, but is “rather: coarse.” 
The “Green Sturgeon” (Acipenser medirostris) is the second Sturgeon of 
the Pacific coast waters. Its range is more restricted, its numbers fewer, 
its size less, and its flesh disdained for food ; indeed, it is “reputed poison- 
ous,” but this reputation is probably undeserved, and at least the subject 
should be investigated, for if the bad report is confirmed, the fact will be 
interesting from a physiological as well as dietetic point of view. 
The two west coast Sturgeons are readily distinguishable, the White Stur- 
geon having small infero-lateral plates in two rows between the ventrals and 
anal, while the Green one has large corresponding plates in one row, at 
least behind. 
SHOVEL-NOSE STURGEON. 
Another member of the Sturgeon family is at once distinguishable from 
all the others by its more slender body, especially behind the fins, and by 
the broad spade-like snout which has: procured for it the name Shovel-nose 
Sturgeon ; another name is White Sturgeon. It is the Scaphirhynchus plato- 
rhynchus of naturalists. It is confined to the Mississippi River and its 
tributary streams, and is a common species in many parts of its range. The 
