Buffalo fish

Buffalo Fish is a common name for several species of freshwater fish native to North America. The term "buffalo fish" is often applied to any of several large suckers in the genus Ictiobus, which are part of the family Catostomidae.

Species

There are three main species of buffalo fish:

• Ictiobus cyprinellus (Bigmouth Buffalo)
• Ictiobus bubalus (Smallmouth Buffalo)
• Ictiobus niger (Black Buffalo)

Description

Buffalo fish are large, robust fish with a round body shape and a downward-facing mouth adapted for bottom feeding. They are typically silver or gray in color, although the Black Buffalo is darker. The Bigmouth Buffalo can reach lengths of up to 4 feet and weights of over 80 pounds, making it the largest species in the Catostomidae family.

Habitat and Distribution

Buffalo fish are found throughout the central and eastern United States, particularly in the Mississippi River basin. They inhabit a variety of freshwater habitats, including rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. They prefer slow-moving or still waters with a muddy or sandy bottom.

Diet

Buffalo fish are bottom feeders, primarily consuming algae, plankton, and other small organisms found on the river or lake bottom. They use their specialized, downward-facing mouths to suck up food from the substrate.

Reproduction

Buffalo fish are broadcast spawners, releasing their eggs and sperm into the water where fertilization occurs. Spawning typically occurs in the spring and early summer, when water temperatures reach approximately 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Economic Importance

Buffalo fish are commercially harvested for their meat, which is considered a delicacy in some regions. They are also popular among sport anglers due to their large size and fighting ability.

Conservation Status

While buffalo fish are not currently listed as threatened or endangered, their populations have declined in some areas due to habitat loss and overfishing.

See Also

• Freshwater fish of North America
• Commercial fishing in the United States
• Sport fishing