They can reach 1m (39.4 in) in length and up to 4.8 kg (10.6 lb) in weight but 50–85 cm (19.7-33.5 in) 

 the biggest Shovelnose caught weighed 10 pounds

fins are in the middle of their body

 Coloration of the shovelnose sturgeon ranges from a light-brown to buff with a white belly 

they are known for their weird nose shaped shovel hence the name

They usually are found in open, flowing channels with bottoms of sand or gravel. 

shovelnose sturgeon are protected in Minnesota waters as a species of special concern. 

They spawn in May and June, when water temperatures are about 19-22° C (67-71° F). 

There diet is mainly aquatic insect larvae, consisting principally of mayflies, true flies, and caddisflies. The sturgeon also feed on crustaceans, worms, and small fish.

predators consist of burbots, yellow bullheads, brown bullhead , black bullheads and catfish.

 river pollution and especially pollution of spawning grounds may seriously impact on shovelnose sturgeon populations. 

invasive species and climate affect the shovelnose the most.