Thanks, divers I shot this photo at Gilboa Quarry in Ohio. This is an American Paddlefish, (Polyodon spathula), of the Mississippi valley, also called spoonbill or duckbill and named for its flattened, paddle-shaped snout. Paddlefish are one of the oldest fishes, with fossil records dating their first appearance at 300 to 400 million years ago (about 50 million years before the first dinosaurs appeared). The largest specimens weigh well over 150 lb and exceed 6 ft in length. The snout may be a third of the length of the body; it is equipped with sense organs that assist the fish in finding its prey of zooplankton, which it strains out with gill rakers.
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.