A pallid sturgeon, referred to by Neosho National Fish Hatchery Acting Manager Roderick May as "a iiving dinosaur" swims in a tank inside a secure, alarmed buiding on Wednesday at the hatchery. The endangered fish are believed to be one of the oldest species on earth, remaining relatively unevolved for 60 to 65 million years. The hatchery houses 29 of the few thousand believed to remain in existence. The fish, who have a life expectancy of 70 to 75 years, only spawn every three to five years, and with no guaranteed results. Poachers have contributed to the species demise, with the processed caviar from the fish selling for as much as $300 per ounce.
Globe | Laurie Sisk