Chinese paddlefish
📖 Overview
This species is considered anadromous for it spends at least part of its life in the sea and migrates upriver to reproduce. It occurs in broad surfaced main streams of large rivers, usually staying in the middle and lower layers of the water column and occasionally swims into large lakes. Spawning period is in March and April with spawning sites located in the upper reaches of the Changjiang River but was also reported to take place in the lower Jinsha River between Shuifu and Yibin . It grows to 3 m in length and 300 kg in weight . Reported length of 7 m SL and 500 kg weight are doubtful (Paxton, pers. comm.). Piscivorous throughout most of its life. Threatened due to over harvesting and habitat loss . Expected number of mature individuals in the wild, less than 50, but more extensive surveys are needed across its range to confirm its existence; last seen in 2003 .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Head very long, snout extraordinarily long, pointed and paddle-like and base broad; mouth very large.: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Chinese paddlefish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Chinese paddlefish is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Chinese paddlefish is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; freshwater; brackish; demersal; anadromous . Subtropical endemic to the Yangtze River and its tributaries.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Chinese paddlefish is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Chinese paddlefish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Chinese paddlefish · Chinese swordfish · Sword-billed sturgeon |
| 🇸🇦Arabic | سمك المجداف الصيني · سمكة السيف الصينية · سمكة مجدافية صينية |
| 🌍CES | veslonos čínský |
| 🇩🇰Danish | Kinesisk spadestør |
| 🇩🇪German | Chinesischer Löffelstör · Chinesischer Schwertfisch · Schwertstör |
| 🌍EPO | Elefanta fiŝo |
| 🌍EST | Mõõktuur |
| 🇫🇮Finnish | Miekkasampi |
| 🇫🇷French | Espadon chinois · Espadon de Chine · Spatulaire chinois |
| 🇮🇹Italian | Pesce spatola cinese |
| 🇯🇵Japanese | シナヘラチョウザメ · ハシナガチョウザメ |
| 🇳🇱Dutch | Chinese lepelsteur |
| 🇵🇱Polish | Wioslonos chinski · Wiosłonos chiński |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Китайский веслонос · Псефур |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | Pez espátula chino |
| 🇸🇪Swedish | Kinesisk svärdstör · Svärdstör |
| 🌍THA | ปลาฉลามปากเป็ดจีน |
| 🇨🇳Chinese | 白鱘 · 白鲟 |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyodon gladius | Martens | 1862 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) — 2 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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