Animal Profiles
Fish

Paddlefish

Polyodontidae

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Paddlefishes have elongated snouts unlike those of most freshwater fishes. This account describes the American paddlefish, which filters tiny animals from the water in large North American rivers.

American paddlefish (Polyodon spathula), the representative described here.

American paddlefish (Polyodon spathula), the representative described here.

At a glance

Location
Polyodon spathula is the representative used here. It inhabits the Mississippi drainage and associated large rivers and reservoirs. Dams can interrupt the movements that connect feeding and spawning areas.
Habitat
Rivers and lakes
Diet
Filter feeder
Food
Zooplankton provide the main food.

Classification

Common name
Paddlefish
Browse group
Fish
Scientific name or taxon
Polyodontidae
Source classification
Actinopterygii

Three things to know

  • Its snout carries sensory receptors.
  • It filters zooplankton.
  • Its eggs stick to the substrate.

Habitat and range

Polyodon spathula is the representative used here. It inhabits the Mississippi drainage and associated large rivers and reservoirs. Dams can interrupt the movements that connect feeding and spawning areas.

Appearance and adaptations

The broad paddle-like snout carries sensory receptors. A very large mouth and fine gill rakers collect food as the fish swims. Its skeleton contains extensive cartilage.

Diet and behaviour

Zooplankton provide the main food. The fish can swim with its mouth open, passing water over the filtering structures. Breeding movements lead to suitable areas where adhesive eggs settle onto the bottom.

Sources

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