But the small fish could grow to a six-foot-long, 150-pound benthic powerhouse, moving along the bottom of rivers and lakes eating insects, snails, and even invasive zebra mussels.

That is what researchers from the museum are hoping for. They are working with the John Ball Zoo and Encompass Socio-ecological Consulting to conserve the elusive lake sturgeon. Once abundant in the Great Lakes basin, lake sturgeon was designated a threatened species in Michigan in 1994, prompting recovery efforts from multiple organizations.