The pallid sturgeon is similar in appearance to the shovelnose sturgeon but is much lighter in color, has smaller eyes, and a longer and sharper snout. The belly is naked in contrast to the shovelnose sturgeon. Maximum size reported for pallid sturgeon is 68 pounds. The pallid sturgeon was not recognized as a distinct species until 1905. Prior to that time it was included with the shovelnose.
Habitat preference is similar to shovelnose.
The fish spawn in the late spring or summer. Males mature at 3 to 4 years of age and females somewhat older. Early growth is similar to that of shovelnose with specimens reaching 23.2 inches FL at age V in South Dakota. Food habits are similar to lake and shovelnose, except that fish have considerable importance in the pallid sturgeon diet.