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Sunday, November 8, 2009

Photo: Giant Jumping Sturgeon Stir Up Mystery in Florida River


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As suggested by their appearance, with rows of armored plates running along their backs and sides, Gulf sturgeon date back to the era of dinosaurs. But their behavior remains poorly understood by scientists.

For example, biologists don't yet know why the sturgeon leap up to six feet (two meters) out of the water. This summer on Florida's Suwannee River at least five collisions have occurred between boaters and jumping Gulf sturgeon.

Photograph courtesy Kevin Lee McIver/USFWS