Chinese Paddlefish 

The Chinese Paddlefish (Psephurus gladius) is a captivating creature that once commanded the Yangtze River of China with its greatness. Sadly, it was declared extinct in the year 2022.

Following this extinction, the American Paddlefish (a close relative of the Chinese Paddlefish and the sturgeon family, found in the Mississippi River Basin, United States), now remains the last species of Paddlefish. This giant aquatic fish belonged to the family of large freshwater fishes and reached a length stretching to seven meters. 

Appearance

The appearance of this amazing creature was characterized by a white underbelly, pink fins, and a silver grey-colored body. It was one of the world’s largest freshwater fish species.

Most areas of the skin were smooth and lacked scales, except around the fins. The dorsal and anal fins were positioned far back on the body, and the tail fin was heterocercal, meaning the upper lobe was larger than the lower.

Historically, the Chinese Paddlefish was known for its long rostrum or “paddle,” which make up to a third of its total body length. This unique feature led to its name. This snout was narrow and pointed, equipped with electroreceptors for sensing prey.

The Chinese Paddlefish could reach an impressive size, with the largest recorded individual estimated to be 7 meters (23 feet) long and weighing hundreds of kilograms. However, most individuals were likely smaller, averaging around 3 meters (10 feet).

This extraordinary animal was, in some places, fondly called the Elephant Fish because of its paddle, resembling the snout of an elephant.

Habitat

Historically, the Chinese Paddlefish was native to the Yangtze River basin. They were primarily found in large rivers and lakes. They spent a greater part of their lives in the lower section of the water column.

The Chinese Paddlefish was anadromous, meaning it was capable of migrating between freshwater and saltwater for spawning and feeding.

Its spawning sites were mainly located in the upper reaches of the Yangtze, particularly in the lower Jinsha River. The construction of the Gezhouba Dam in 1981 disrupted the Paddlefish’s migratory patterns, contributing to its eventual extinction.

Diet

The Chinese Paddlefish was a top predator in the Yangtze Ecosystem. They were known as solitary hunters.

Unlike their American counterpart, they are highly predatory piscivores. The Chinese Paddlefish was likely an opportunistic feeder, consuming a variety of fish species available in its habitat, including smaller fish like carp and minnows, and sometimes crustaceans. Its feeding habits played a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the Yangtze River ecosystem, but overfishing and habitat degradation eventually led to its demise.

This large freshwater fish would use its long, paddle-like snout to detect the electrical signals of prey, then swiftly capture them with its large, toothless mouth. These electric receptors served as a sensory organ, helping Chinese Paddlefish make their way through murky waters.

Reproduction

The reproductive behavior and strategy of the Chinese Paddlefish is quite distinctive and complex. Generally, they have predictable spawning behavior. This fish could travel huge distances in both upstream and downstream directions along the Yangtze River to mate. The migrations usually happened in Spring when the fish swam upstream for spawning.

Their courtship rituals involved females laying eggs in water and the males, in turn, fertilizing. Fertilization happens externally. Fertilized eggs would drift free within river currents and would develop as larvae. Even in their young state, these fish species had the peculiarity of having elongated snouts that developed and became longer as they matured. Details about the species’ spawning grounds, presumed to be located upstream in the Yangtze River, remained undisclosed.

Legacy

The Chinese Paddlefish leaves behind a legacy as a symbol of both irreparable loss and the consequences of human actions on fragile ecosystems. Its definitive loss provides critical lessons on the importance of conservation efforts and the need for sustainable practices in managing freshwater resources.

Its story also highlights the cultural significance of such species, as it was once an important part of Yangtze folklore and fishing traditions.

Reasons for Extinction

The conservation status of the Chinese Paddlefish is believed to be functionally extinct. The last known sighting was reported in 2003, and subsequent extensive searches have failed to find any living specimens.

High levels of harvesting contributed to its population decline, particularly in the 1970s, when an average of 25 tons of Paddlefish were harvested annually.

Factors responsible for their extinction include overfishing, habitat destruction, particularly from the construction of the first dam (Gezhouba Dam), and other anthropogenic pressures.

In recent years, scientist Dr. Qiwei Wei and fish biologist Dr. Zeb Hogan, have championed efforts to find representatives of the species. Conservation efforts offered hope of recovery but with no success.

Interesting Facts

1. This freshwater species belonged to an ancient group of fish dating back 200 million years outsurviving the mass extinction of the dinosaurs.
2. Diet differs from the American Paddlefish (Polyodon spathula), which mainly eats plankton.
3. One of only two extant paddlefish species and the only species in the genus Psephurus.
4. The last confirmed sighting was in 2003 near Yibin in South-Central China.
5. Chinese Paddlefish held cultural significance in the region and were often referred to as the “Panda of the Yangtze.”

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