American Paddlefish

Polyodon spathula is a chondrostean fish native to the Mississippi River and is one of only two surviving paddlefish species in the world. Unlike most large ancient fish it is a filter feeder, consuming enormous quantities of zooplankton by swimming with its enormous mouth agape. It is suited only to very large public display systems and is offered here for institutional aquaria only.

Water: 14-22°C, pH 6.5-8.0, cool, well-oxygenated water with strong current. Tank: Minimum 5000L public display, very large open water column, no sharp obstacles. Feeding: Omnivore; filter-feeds on zooplankton; can be supplemented with concentrated brine shrimp, spirulina. Behaviour: Entirely peaceful; filter feeds continuously, requires constant swimming space. Compatibility: Large, robust, non-aggressive species that will not collide with its paddle rostrum.