What is the characteristic coloration of the white sturgeon's back fading to its underside?
Answer
Dark gray or olive-green fading to pale or white
The physical description of the white sturgeon's exterior coloration directly contributes to its common name. The dorsal side, or back, of the fish is typically described using darker hues, specifically dark gray or olive-green. This coloration gradually transitions ventrally across the flanks until it reaches the underside, or belly, which is pale or distinctly white. This countershading pattern—darker on top and lighter below—is common in many aquatic species and aids in camouflage when viewed from above against the dark depths or from below against the bright surface light.
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