Chinese Paddlefish [Psephurus gladius]
Description
The Chinese Paddlefish is an extinct species of paddlefish that was native to the Yangtze River in China. Known for its sword-like rostrum, it was one of the largest freshwater fish species, with some individuals reaching lengths of up to 7 meters. Similar to its American counterpart, the Chinese Paddlefish was a filter feeder with a preference for zooplankton. Its extinction, declared in 2020, was mainly attributed to overfishing and habitat loss due to damming of the Yangtze River.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Segmented Worms
Annelida
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Polychaetes
Polychaeta
|
| Order |
Canalipalpata
Canalipalpata
|
| Family |
Polyodontids
Polyodontidae
|
| Genus |
Paddlefish
Polyodon
|