Mississippi paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) is a freshwater species recorded in the United States. It is found at depths of ≥ 2 m.
Scientific name: Polyodon spathula · Water: Freshwater
Size: up to 221 cm
The Mississippi paddlefish is a demersal polyodontid whose adults usually inhabit water deeper than 1.2 m in slow-flowing large rivers, lakes and impoundments. It feeds on plankton, and the extended upper jaw, the paddle, may help to channel plankton into the mouth. It is recorded from 2 m downwards, and no maximum depth is recorded for it. It is threatened by over-harvesting, habitat loss and pollution. Maximum length is about 221 cm total length, commonly about 120 cm, and it can live 55 years. It is a commercial species, a gamefish and a public aquarium fish. Fishing vulnerability is very high at 85 of 100 and resilience low. IUCN lists it as vulnerable, and it is listed in CITES Appendix II.
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