[2][3] Critical habitat, reflecting the range of the subspecies deemed essential for its continued survival, has been designated (see map).

Because their diet consists of mollusks that can cause paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), in addition to other bottom-dwelling organisms such as grass shrimp, marine worms, isopods, and amphipods, their unique feeding pattern possibly reflects an adaptation to prevent PSP that coincides with higher rates of algal blooms in summer.

[5][7] Juvenile Gulf sturgeon remain in the spawning river until roughly two years of age, eating there.

After spawning, the adults and older juveniles collect in regions of cooler, deeper, slower-flowing water, generally downstream of springs.

The Gulf sturgeon tends to jump during July and August, and again early during the offshore feeding period.

[8] Due to their heavy body armor, large leaping sturgeon can inflict serious injuries to humans who are in the way.