Polyodon spathula (Walbaum, 1792)

Mississippi paddlefish

Catalog of Fishes (gen., sp.) | ITIS | CoL

Classification	Actinopterygii \| Acipenseriformes \| Polyodontidae
Synonyms	Squalus spathula, ... more
Common names	Spatule d'Amérique, Espátula, Paddlefish, ... more

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Polyodon spathula

Picture by Moreau, J.

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Main reference

Robins, C.R., R.M. Bailey, C.E. Bond, J.R. Brooker, E.A. Lachner, R.N. Lea and W.B. Scott. 1991. (Ref. 3814)
Other references | Biblio | Coordinator | Collaborators

Size / Weight / Age

Max length : 221 cm TL male/unsexed; (Ref. 5723); common length : 120 cm TL male/unsexed; (Ref. 12193); max. published weight: 90.7 kg (Ref. 3221); max. reported age: 55 years (Ref. 46974)

Environment

Demersal; potamodromous (Ref. 51243); freshwater; depth range 2 - ? m

Climate / Range

Temperate; 10°C - 18°C (Ref. 2060); 50°N - 30°N

North America: Mississippi River system, including the Missouri River into Montana, the Ohio River, and their major tributaries. At least one country reports adverse ecological impact after introduction. International trade restricted (CITES II, since 11.6.92).
Countries | FAO areas | Ecosystems | Occurrences | Introductions

Inhabits slow-flowing water of large rivers, usually in water deeper than 1.3 m. Feeds on plankton. The extended upper jaw (= paddle) may help to channel plankton into the mouth. Threatened due to over harvesting, habitat loss and pollution (Ref. 58490).


IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 57073)	Threat to humans
Vulnerable (VU) (A3de)	Potential pest

Human uses
Fisheries: commercial; aquarium: public aquariums


More information
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