The mega river ecosystem of the Yangtze River was once home to diverse aquatic megafauna but is increasingly affected by various anthropogenic stressors that have resulted in continuous loss of biodiversity, such as the probable extinction of Yangtze River Dolphin. The Chinese paddlefish, Psephurus gladius, was one of only two extant members of a relict lineage that was most diverse and widespread 34–75 million years ago. It is also one of the largest freshwater fish species, reaching up to 7 m in length. The Chinese paddlefish was once common in the Yangtze River, with c.25 t being harvested per annum during the 1970s. Populations have, however, declined drastically since the late 1970s as a result of overfishing and habitat fragmentation.
- The giant Chinese paddlefish (up to 7 m in length) was found to be extinct.
- The timing of extinction was estimated to be by 2005–2010.
- The paddlefish became functionally extinct by 1993, prior to extinction
- Conservation efforts on endangered Yangtze fishes are urgently needed.
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