American paddlefish are mainly freshwater fish but can survive in brackish water (Billard, 2001). They generally reside in large rivers with deep water (greater than 6 meters) and slow moving currents (less than 5 cm/s) (Zigler, 2003; Southall, 1984). Turbid (muddy) water is preferred by P. spathula. During migratory breeding events, P. spathula needs access to areas with sand or gravel bars (Wills, 1993). (Billard and Lecointre, 2001; Southall and Hubert, 1984; Wills, 1993; Zigler, Dewey, and Knights, 2003)

 

Habitat Regions: Temperate; Freshwater

Aquatic Biomes: Lakes and Ponds; Rivers and Streams; Brackish Water