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Paddlefish
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| Paddlefish ©John
G. Shedd Aquarium Courtesy of eNature |
Species
description provided by eNature
Description
To 7'1" (2.2 m); 200 lbs (90.7 kg). Slightly compressed; snout
paddle-shaped; back dark bluish-gray, often mottled, lighter on
sides, belly white. Mouth very large; eyes small, above front edge
of mouth; gill rakers slender, numerous; opercular flap large, tapering,
extending to pelvic fins. Caudal fin deeply forked, lobes about
equal. Scales only on caudal peduncle.
Habitat
Backwaters, sluggish pools, bayous, oxbows of large rivers, impoundments,
and lakes.
Range
Throughout Mississippi River system; Mobile Bay drainage, Alabama,
west to e. Texas; early records from few localities in Lakes Superior,
Michigan, Huron, and w. Lake Erie.
Discussion
Paddlefishes are large, reaching lengths of 7'1" (2.2 m), weighing
200 pounds (90.7 kg), and living up to 30 years. They are caught
by snag fishing during spawning in April and June, when they congregate
below obstructions (dams) and on gravel shoals. Paddlefishes have
declined recently due to pollution, channelization, dams, and intensive
fishing. They are deemed good eating.
