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American Paddlefish

American Paddlefish

The American paddlefish is a prehistoric freshwater species that has inhabited Texas waters for over 300 million years, making it older than dinosaurs.

These ancient fish are easily distinguished by their paddle-shaped rostrum (snout) that extends nearly one-third of their body length and is covered with thousands of electroreceptors used to locate zooplankton.

Scientific Name: Polyodon spathula

Physical Characteristics:

Paddlefish have smooth, scaleless skin, cartilaginous skeletons similar to sharks, and can grow up to 7 feet long and weigh up to 200 pounds, though most Texas specimens are 10-15 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

They inhabit slow-moving, large, deep freshwater rivers and reservoirs, preferring backwater areas rich in zooplankton for feeding.

Key Locations

Historically inhabited the Red River tributaries, Sulphur River, Big Cypress Bayou, Sabine River, Neches River, Angelina River, Trinity River, and San Jacinto River. Currently, small remnant populations exist primarily in the Sabine and Trinity rivers, with reintroduction efforts underway at Caddo Lake.

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