Switchtail refers to the long filament found on the upper lobe of the caudal fin (often broken off as adults).

Sturgeons, including the shovelnose, are highly regarded for their flesh and their roe, from which premium grades of caviar are made (Barton 2007).

The shovelnose sturgeon is characterized by a long slender filament on the upper lobe of the caudal fin.

There are four fringed barbels on the ventral side of the rostrum that can be found in a straight line, which is equidistant from the mouth opening to the tip of the snout, unlike pallid sturgeon.

As with many riverine fish species, the shovelnose sturgeon does not have a restricted home range and may travel long distances (Pflieger 1997).

The diet is mainly aquatic insect larvae, consisting principally of mayflies, true flies (Diptera), and caddisflies.

As a result of bottom feeding, it is a host to the glochidia (larvae) of several species of freshwater mollusc, including Quadrula pustulosa (pimpleback), Obovaria olivaria (hickorynut) and Lampsilis teres (yellow sandshell).

Carlson et al. (1985) found that the growth of the shovelnose sturgeon is relatively slow, reaching 21.3 inches (54 cm) in five years.