Paddlefish
NamePaddlefish
Scientific NamePolyodon spathula
Common NamesAmerican Paddlefish, Spoonbill Cat
FamilyPolyodontidae
OriginNorth America, Mississippi River Basin
Temperamentpeaceful
Dietcarnivore
Care Levelexpert
Minimum Tank Size (Gallons)100000
Max Size (Inches)87
Water TypeFreshwater
Temperature Range (°F)50-75
pH Range6.5-8.0
Description
The American Paddlefish is a large, ancient freshwater fish characterized by its distinctive, elongated, paddle-like rostrum used for electroreception to detect zooplankton. They are filter feeders, consuming vast quantities of microscopic organisms. Due to their immense size and specialized feeding, they are strictly for public aquariums or very large, specialized ponds.
