Overview
In general body shape it very much resembles the carp. The dorsal fin is similar, beginning with a tall lobe near the middle of the back and continuing to a lower portion nearly to the tail. The carp has a single serrated spine at the beginning of the dorsal fin, while the bigmouth buffalo has no spines in any of the fins. The toothless mouth is relatively large and wide, and slants downward when closed. The upper lip begins almost on a level with the eyes. In comparison, the mouth of the smallmouth buffalo (Ictiobus bubalus), is smaller, almost horizontal when closed, subterminal and protracts downward in typical sucker fashion. The body of the bigmouth buffalo is coppery olive brown to slate blue above, becoming lighter toward the belly, which is white.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Clupeiformes
- Family
- Catostomidae
- Genus
- Ictiobus
- Species
- cyprinellus
Habitat
They prefer streams , rivers, lakes, and other man-made drainages whre they can use grass and other objects on the bottom as protection from predators
Diet
It also feeds on algae and other plant matter, but very seldom eats insects, insect larvae, or other fish. The young fish seem to prefer eating bottom-dwelling invertebrates, while older individuals prefer crustaceans dwelling in the midwater.
Behavior
As with smallmouth buffalo, bigmouth buffalo appear to spawn in very shallow water during the spring when water temperatures reach 60°F to 65°F. Eggs hatch in 9-10 days. Typically, the species may occur in schools.
Fishing
As with smallmouth buffalo, some anglers consider bigmouth buffalo to be a rough fish. However, the species is highly prized in many areas. Many people consider it quite a food fish despite its many bones. Consequently, the species does not form a large sport fishery since it will not take the normal types of baits.
Conservation Status
Listed as Least Concern by IUCN.