Paddlefish

The paddlefish is a freshwater fish native to North America, easily recognized by its elongated, paddle-shaped snout called a rostrum. This unique feature helps it filter plankton and small fish from the water, serving as a natural filter feeder. Paddlefish can grow quite large, sometimes over 7 feet long and weighing hundreds of pounds. They have a primitive appearance with a cartilaginous skeleton and a slow growth rate. These fish are primarily found in large river systems and swamps, and they play an important role in their ecosystems, though they are currently considered vulnerable due to overfishing and habitat loss.