Paddlefish

The Paddlefish is classified into Actinopterygii, or ray finned fishes. More specifically, it is placed in the Acipensiformes order. This fish has an elongated snout, supported by a matrix of tiny thin bones. While individually the bones are very fragile, together they form a sturdy yet lightweight structure. This long snout contains electroreceptors, a trait previously lost in bony fishes, and allows the paddlefish to detect plankton in its direct pathway. Once a large enough group of plankton is detected, the paddlefish will open its mouth, drawing in the water and engulfing the plankton. Water will flow through the gills and gill rakers, which filter out the plankton to be directed into the Paddlefishes stomach. Water safely passes through the gill slits as is normal, exchanging gases extraordinarily efficiently.