Acipenser transmontanus, commonly known as the white sturgeon, inhabits the Pacific coast waters of North America. It is the largest freshwater fish in North America, known for its elongated body, pointed snout, and bony scutes instead of scales. These ancient fish can live over 100 years and migrate between freshwater and saltwater environments.

Acipenser transmontanus, commonly known as the white sturgeon, is native to the North American west coast. Its geographical distribution includes the Pacific Ocean drainage basin, predominantly found in major river systems such as the Columbia River, Fraser River, and Sacramento River. The species is mainly distributed across the United States (Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California) and Canada (British Columbia), with occasional instances in Alaska's coastal waters.

White sturgeon inhabit a variety of aquatic environments, including large rivers, estuaries, and coastal waters. They prefer deep, slow-moving river sections with sandy, rocky, or muddy bottoms. The species thrives in temperate climates, with water temperatures typically ranging from 3°C to 20°C (37°F to 68°F). Seasonal migrations are common, often triggered by water temperature changes and spawning requirements.

White sturgeons are benthic feeders, primarily consuming fish, crustaceans, and invertebrates. Their ecological role as apex predators helps maintain the balance of aquatic ecosystems by controlling the population of prey species. The sturgeon's long lifespan and late maturity make them particularly susceptible to environmental changes and human impacts such as habitat destruction and overfishing.