- It is one of the two "extant" species of paddlefishes.
- Its diet is different from the other extant paddlefish species, the American paddlefish (Polyodon spathula), which mainly feeds on plankton.
- It can weigh more than 300 kg, and even up to 500 kg according to some reports.
- Females reach maturity after 6-16 years, and at a weight of about 25 kg.
- Its migratory route has been blocked by dams.
- The last confirmed record was in 2003.
- In 2020, a group of scientists concluded that the Chinese paddlefish is now extinct.
- It remains as Critically Endangered (Possibly Extinct) on the IUCN Red List.
- Overexploitation and dams contributed to its possible extinction.
It can reach up to 7 m in length. The estimated lifespan ranges from 29 to 38 years. It migrates up to 2700 km to spawn. It mainly feeds on fish, but also eats shrimps and crabs.
The last confirmed record was in 2003. Its migratory route has been blocked by dams. It is one of the two "extant" species of paddlefishes.
