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- 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.
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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.
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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.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/gallery_in_content/public/media-images/gallery-items/Freshwater_Factcards_-32.jpg?itok=4Mann4ik)