The shovelnose sturgeon is also known as the sand sturgeon, hackleback, switchtail, or flathead sturgeon. Color of the shovelnose is buff or olive-drab above and light beneath. The entire body is armored with heavy plates. The snout is markedly flattened or shovel-shaped. There are no spiracles. There is a very long, thread-like filament attached to the top lobe of the tail fin, from whence the fish gets one of its common names -- "switchtail." This filament is very fragile and is often missing, especially in older individuals. This species commonly attains a weight of 6 to 8 pounds, although 4 or 5 pound specimens are more common. The shovelnose is primarily a river fish, very seldom being found in the absence of a brisk current. In the Mississippi River it frequents the tailwaters below wing dams and other structures which accelerate current flow. Nightcrawlers fished in the main channel with a very heavy weight is the best shovelnose tactic.

Geographic Range Map of the Shovelnose Sturgeon in North America