American Paddlefish

The American paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) is an ancient species of fish that was once found throughout many river systems of Alabama. Overfishing, dams, and habitat destruction have drastically reduced the paddlefish's numbers in the state.

Paddlefish swimming over a gravel riverbed, with aquatic plants visible beneath clear water.
Photo courtesy of of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Paddlefish swimming over a gravel riverbed, with aquatic plants visible beneath clear water.