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Fish Species Description

Paddlefish

Polyodon spathula

(Walbaum, 1792)

Classification

Order: Acipenseriformes
Family: Polyodontidae
Alternate Names: spoonbill, spoonbill cat, spoonbill catfish, spadefish

Status: State Introduced (see note)

Freshwater

Notes:

The paddlefish is native to the Tennessee River basin, but never recorded within Georgia's portion of the Tennessee. Paddlefish were accidentally introduced into the Flint River system during the early 1990's, but it is unknown if this species is still persisting or has become established. Paddlefish has also been reported, but not confirmed from the Chattahoochee River system.

Basin Distribution in Georgia:

In Georgia, occurs in the Flint River basin.

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