Mississippi paddlefish (Polyodon spathula)

Scientific name: Polyodon spathula Walbaum, 1792

The Mississippi paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) is a freshwater fish of the family Polyodontidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 10–18°C (50–64°F).

Mississippi paddlefish care at a glance

Temperature: 10–18°C (50–64°F)

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.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Polyodon spathula
Family: Polyodontidae (Paddlefishes)
Order: Acipenseriformes (Sturgeons and Paddlefishes)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 221
Common length: 120
Depth range: 2 m (7 ft)
Environment: Freshwater; demersal; potamodromous; depth range 2 - ? m
Climate: Temperate
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.
Conservation status (IUCN): Vulnerable (VU)(A3de)
Uses: Fisheries: commercial; aquarium: public aquariums
Resilience: Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (tm=6-9; tmax=30)