American Paddlefish
Spoonbill catfish
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Scientific Name:
Polyodon spathula Freshwater
Non-native
Fish
- Seasons and Regulations
- Licenses/Permits
Description
Paddlefish have a very distinctive look with a long, paddle-like rostrum (snout) that can account for 1/3 of the fish’s total length. They have no scales, creating a smooth body with a dark gray back that lightens to white along the sides to its belly. Paddlefish have relativley small eyes and long operculum (gill cover). The skeleton of a paddlefish is mostly made of cartilage except for its jaw which is made of bone. Paddlefish can grow to more than 7 feet long.
Range and Habitat
Formerly found throughout the Mississippi River and Great Lakes drainages. Paddlefish are found throughout Louisiana in the following river basins: Mississippi River, Mermentau River, Atchafalaya River, Ouachita River, Pearl River, Sabine River, Red River, and Calcasieu River drainage. Paddlefish live in large river systems and connected lakes. They are often found in areas with a slow-moving current. Juveniles can be found in backwater habitats.
Behavior
Paddlefish are filter feeders that feed exclusively on zooplankton (tiny animals). Paddlefish require large amounts of flowing water to spawn. During the spring between March and June, groups of paddlefish travel upstream in large rivers to areas with gravel or sandy bottoms where females deposit their eggs. After they're fertilized, the eggs sink to the bottom and hatch within 7 to 9 days. After spawning, adults return downstream to calmer areas, leaving the newly hatched fry to survive on their own. Female paddlefish spawn once every 4 to 7 years. Paddlefish typically can live to 25 to 30 years, but specimens over 50 years old have been found.