Paddlefish, duckbill cat, spadefish and spoonbill cat.
Vulnerable (A3de) to critically endangered (A2cd)
North America and China
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Exploited and dammed
The American paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) is listed as vulnerable.
The paddlefish is easily recognised by its large mouth and elongated snout, known as a rostrum. Average size is 1.5m, although some larger specimens have been recorded.
The rostrum helps the fish by acting as a stablilizer. As the fish moves through the water, the rostrum creates lift, helping the fish keep its head in a steady position.
Paddlefish are filter feeders and eat zooplankton.
What are the main threats?
In North America, paddlefish are a target for sport fishing. In some US states fishing for paddlefish is outlawed, and other states attempt to monitor and control the annual harvest.
Paddlefish have also suffered as a result of interference with their natural habitat, in particular damming of rivers, sedimentation, pollution and poisoning of rivers and competition from introduced species. This particularly affects migration and breeding grounds.