Paddlefish 2

Paddlefish 2

The paddlefish is easily recognized by the very long paddle-like snout which extends from its fairly large head. At the base of the snout are two small eyes and a large, gapping mouth used for straining plankton and small fish from the water. Of the two species that still exist, the spoonbill sturgeon lives in the Mississippi Valley, while the second species lives in the Yangtse river system in China. The later species reaches lengths of 23 ft. [BM] {FW}