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Missouri Symbols, Aquatic Animal: Paddlefish or Spoonbill
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Paddlefish or Spoonbill
(Polyodon spathula)
Adopted on May 23, 1997.
The paddlefish became Missouri's official aquatic animal on May 23, 1997. Only three rivers in Missouri support substantial populations of the paddlefish; the Mississippi, Missouri and the Osage. They are also present in some of the state's larger lakes. The paddlefish is primitive, with a cartilage skeleton, rather than bone. They commonly exceed five feet in length and weights of 60 pounds; 20-year olds are common and some live 30 years or more. (RSMo 10.130)
Paddlefish state aquatic animal.
10.130. The paddlefish or spoonbill, scientifically designated as Polyodon spathula, is hereby selected for, and shall be known as, the official aquatic animal of the state of Missouri.
(L. 1997 H.B. 700)
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| Kingdom |
Animalia -- animals |
| Phylum |
Chordata -- chordates |
| Subphylum |
Vertebrata -- vertebrates |
| Class |
Mammalia |
| Order |
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| Family |
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| Genus |
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