The Chinese paddlefish, also known as the Chinese swordfish, is an extinct species of fish that was formerly native to the Yangtze and Yellow River basins in China. With records of specimens over 3.6 metres and possibly 7 m in length, it was one of the largest species of primarily freshwater fish.

Chinese Paddlefish: History, Biology, and Extinction of a Freshwater Giant

The Chinese paddlefish (Psephurus gladius), often called the Chinese swordfish, was one of the most extraordinary freshwater animals ever known. A legendary inhabitant of China’s Yangtze and Yellow River basins, this ancient species survived for millions of years before tragically becoming extinct in the early 21st century. Its disappearance represents one of the most prominent examples of modern freshwater biodiversity loss.

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Origins and Evolutionary Significance

Belonging to a lineage that dates back more than 100 million years, the Chinese paddlefish was often referred to as a “living fossil.” It was one of only two paddlefish species in the world—the other being the American paddlefish of the Mississippi River system.

With a unique evolutionary history, the species held great scientific value for understanding the development of primitive ray-finned fishes (Acipenseriformes), a group that also includes sturgeons.

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Physical Characteristics

The Chinese paddlefish was remarkable for its enormous size and distinctive appearance.

Key Features

• Length: Commonly over 3.6 meters, with unverified reports suggesting individuals up to 7 meters, making it one of the largest freshwater fish ever known.

• Paddle-shaped snout (rostrum): A long, sword-like extension used to detect electrical signals from prey.

• Streamlined body: Built for fast swimming in large rivers.

• Coloration: Usually grayish or silvery with a lighter underside.

Its large rostrum, combined with a sleek body, made it highly adapted to life as a swift predator in China’s major river systems.

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Habitat and Distribution

Historically, the species was widely distributed in:

• Yangtze River Basin – its primary habitat

• Yellow River Basin

• Connected lakes and estuaries

The paddlefish migrated long distances, especially during spawning seasons, making it vulnerable to habitat fragmentation.

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Diet and Feeding Habits

Despite its size, the Chinese paddlefish was not a bottom-feeder. It was an active predator.

Diet Included:

• Smaller fish

• Crustaceans

• Possibly other aquatic organisms detected through electroreception

The sensory receptors on its rostrum allowed it to locate prey even in turbid waters.

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Causes of Decline

The species faced a long period of decline beginning in the mid-20th century.

Major Threats

1. Overfishing
   It was heavily exploited for its meat, which was considered a delicacy.

2. Habitat Loss and Fragmentation
   Construction of major dams—especially the Gezhouba Dam (completed in 1981) and later the Three Gorges Dam—blocked its migration routes and fragmented populations.

3. Pollution
   Industrial and agricultural waste degraded water quality in its native rivers.

4. Slow Reproduction
   Like many ancient fish species, paddlefish had slow reproductive cycles, hindering recovery.

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Extinction

The last confirmed sighting of a living Chinese paddlefish occurred in 2003. Scientific surveys between 2017 and 2018 found no surviving individuals, and in 2020, the species was officially declared extinct.

Why Its Extinction Is Significant

• It represents the loss of an entire genus (Psephurus).

• Its disappearance highlights the severity of freshwater species decline worldwide.

• It illustrates the ecological cost of rapid development without adequate conservation planning.

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Legacy and Lessons

The extinction of the Chinese paddlefish serves as a powerful reminder of the need to protect large migratory freshwater species—many of which face similar threats today.

Key Takeaways

• Conservation must begin before populations collapse.

• River ecosystems require connectivity for migratory species to survive.

• Human development and biodiversity conservation must coexist with careful planning.

While the Chinese paddlefish can no longer swim in the waters of the Yangtze, its story continues to influence global conservation efforts.

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