Mississippi paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) fish species and information / pictures of Mississippi paddlefish - Polyodon spathula

Mississippi paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) fish species information

Scientific Name
Polyodon spathula

Common Name
Mississippi paddlefish

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

Classification

Classified By
Walbaum, 1792
Class
Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)
Order
Sturgeons and Paddlefishes (Acipenseriformes)
Family
Paddlefishes (Polyodontidae)

Distribution

Region
North America
Distribution
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.
Range
50°N - 30°N

Environment

Climate
Temperate
Water Temperature From
10 °C
Water Temperature To
18 °C
Depth From - meters
2 m
Depth To - meters
Unknown m
Zone
demersal
Environment
Freshwater; demersal; potamodromous ; depth range 2 - ? m
Trophic Level
3 s.e. 0.00 Based on diet studies.
Occurs in Marine / Salt water
False
Occurs in Brackish water
False
Occurs in Fresh Water
True
Occurs on Reefs
False
Is kept in Aquariums
True

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length
221 cm
Common Length
120 cm
Phylogenetic Diversity Index
PD50 = 1.2500 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses
Fisheries: commercial; aquarium: public aquariums
Vulnerability
Moderate vulnerability (41 of 100)
Resilience
Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (tm=6-9; tmax=30)
Threat To Humans
Unknown
IUCN Red List Status
Vulnerable (VU)(A3de)