Origin
Native to the Mississippi River Basin in North America, including major tributaries and reservoirs from Montana to Louisiana. Prefers slow to moderate current in deep, open water.

Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Characterized by a paddle-like snout that can reach 1/3 of its body length. Silvery-gray body, smooth skin, and shark-like tail. Swims slowly with a wide, drifting motion, filtering plankton from the water.

Purpose
A keystone filter-feeder in freshwater ecosystems, helping maintain zooplankton balance. In captivity, they serve as ambassador species in public aquariums and research programs.

Importance
A living fossil with origins over 125 million years ago. Its unique morphology and ecological niche provide immense educational and scientific value.

Included Resources
Requires massive water volume (thousands of gallons), high oxygenation, gentle laminar flow, and constant feeding. Specialized public aquarium facilities mimic natural plankton-rich rivers.

Best Use Cases
Public aquariums, zoological institutions, and scientific research centers focused on native North American species, evolutionary biology, or conservation.

Conservation Context
Listed as Vulnerable. Wild populations have been reduced due to habitat fragmentation, overharvest (especially for caviar), and pollution. Restoration and hatchery efforts are ongoing in multiple U.S. states.

Ideal Aquatic Species
• None in home aquaria
• Compatible only in extremely large systems with other native filter-feeders or passive bottom dwellers (e.g., sturgeon) under controlled conditions

Region (A)
• Latitude: 38.6270° N
• Longitude: -90.1994° W
(Mississippi River near St. Louis, Missouri)

Region (B)
• Latitude: 29.9511° N
• Longitude: -90.0715° W
(Lower Mississippi Basin near New Orleans, Louisiana)