This paddlefish was exhibited alive for 10 years by the Minnesota DNR at the Minnesota State Fair until it died when water circulation systems failed. The “beak” structure contained numerous nerves that aided the fish in detecting through electromagnetic means the presence of its microscopic food, plankton; the fish swims with an open mouth filtering the plankton through fine gill filaments to expel the water. Paddlefish are extremely ancient fish. Only two species live today, the other in China; ours lives in the lower St. Croix River, the Mississippi, and the Missouri Rivers. They are more closely related to sharks than modern fish. Paddlefish reach 150 lbs in weight and 6 feet in length. They are protected as state endangered fish in Minnesota.

In terms of uniqueness, this specimen is peerless. I am certain most people will never see one elsewhere. Judging from responses I have heard from many who have viewed it, I suspect most would not correctly identify it; some believe it to be a beaver tail! It is the only paddlefish specimen in the Science Museum collection.