Atlantic sturgeon are anadromous, migrating from the ocean into coastal estuaries and rivers to spawn. Spawning occurs during the spring and individual fish only spawn once every two to six years. After spawning, males may remain in the river or lower estuary until the fall, while females typically leave within four to six weeks.
Most juveniles remain in their natal river from one to six years before migrating to the ocean.
Little is known about the movements of Atlantic sturgeon when they are in the ocean. Atlantic sturgeon may live up to 60 years old, with females reaching sexual maturity between the ages of seven to 30, and males between the ages of five to 24. Typically, fish in the northern part of the species range mature at a later age than those in the southern part of the range. Atlantic sturgeon are bottom feeders whose prey include mussels, worms, shrimp, and small bottom-dwelling fish. Rather than true scales, their bodies are covered by five rows of bony plates called scutes.