Category: Fish
Also known as the Pacific sturgeon, this ancient species inhabits the west coast of North America from the Aleutian Islands to Central California. They have changed little in form since they first appeared 175 million years ago. White sturgeon are the largest species of bony fish in North America and the third largest species of sturgeon. While classified as bony fish, their skeletons are actually more cartilaginous than bony, similar to the skeletal structure of a shark.
Hey, Fishlips!
If you’ve ever worn lipstick (or kissed anybody wearing lipstick), you’ve probably had fish scales on your lips. Of course you won’t find “herring scales from commercial fishing hauls” on the ingredients list of your cosmetics - they list it as the regal-sounding “pearl essence” or “pearlescence.” But why? Because the scales of silvery fish that capture and reflect light so beautifully in the water function the same way on your lips. So maybe next time somebody calls you “fish lips,” don’t jump to conclusions too quickly, maybe they mean it as a compliment!
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Discover Animals is a web-based educational resource offered by the NAIA
