Paddlefish Ecology

What are Paddlefish?

Paddlefish, scientific name Polyodon spathula, are a very silly looking fish. Named after their snout which is very long and shaped like a paddle you would row a boat with. The American Paddlefish is the last remaining type of paddlefish left, as all the other ones have gone exinct.

Extinct species of Paddlefish

The Chinese Paddlefish, scientific name Psephurus Gladius, has been officially extinct since 2022. It had become functionally extinct by 1993 however and the last time one was seen alive was in 2003.
The reason for their extinction was overfishing and human development. Dams had been built causing the species to be separated among other things.

Evolutionary History of the Paddlefish

The American Paddlefish is the last living species of paddlefish. The only other species to make it to the modern day was the Chinese Paddlefish but those have already died off. Clearly there will be a pattern if nothing is done to help save today's paddlefish.

Paddlefish Anatomy

What is a Vulnerable Species?

" A vulnerable species is a species which has been categorized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as being threatened with extinction unless the circumstances that are threatening its survival and reproduction improve.
Vulnerability is mainly caused by habitat loss or destruction of the species' home. Vulnerable habitat or species are monitored and can become increasingly threatened. Some species listed as "vulnerable" may be common in captivity, an example being the military macaw. "

- From wikipedia

Impact Paddlefish being gone has on the Enviroment

They eat plankton. So I can only surmize there would be a spike in plankton that would effect other species as well as plants. Like getting them sick.

Current and Historic Ecploitation of Paddlefish

Poaching is a problem. Proof of this happening in our state, a minnesota forum board in which people discuss snagging paddle fish.