Emerging questions from the discovery of the long term presence of Acipenser oxyrinchus in France

Abstract

Sturgeon remains have been identified in several French archaeological sites. Accurate observation has led to a new finding: the presence of another sturgeon species by side of Acipenser sturio. This investigation, mostly a reevaluation, was conducted by using the morphological characteristics of dermal bones (bony plates and scutes) that allow discriminating between the two sturgeon species A. sturio from A. oxyrinchus. A. oxyrinchus was found present in several archaeological sites on the French Atlantic coast, dating from the end of the Neolithic Age until the 2nd century AD (C.R. Palevol., 8, 2009, 717); in the Loire River in Roman Times and in the 11th century AD; in the Seine River drainage between the 2nd century BC and first half of 17th century AD, as well as in the Scarpe River flowing into the Scheldt River (France, Belgium and the Netherlands) between the 10th and 11th century AD. In one site, up to 65 sturgeon remains were identified and are attributable to one or the other species. In two out of the four South Atlantic sites, both species were recorded, as well as in one site (Paris-Grand Louvre) of the Seine River. The two species were in sympatry for a long time in several French drainages and sometimes up until recent times. The sympatry of the two species in France gives additional support for this characteristic as a quasi-general rule concerning sturgeons world-wide. The present findings suggest A. oxyrinchus as a native French sturgeon species and new key-issues should be addressed.