Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Clupeiformes
- Family
- Catostomidae
- Genus
- Moxostoma
- Species
- duquesnei
Habitat
Black redhorses inhabit clear, fast-flowing streams and rivers with gravel or rocky bottoms, primarily in the Ohio River basin and other parts of the eastern and central United States. They prefer well-oxygenated waters and are often found in riffles or runs rather than deep pools.
Diet
Black redhorses primarily feed on aquatic insects, larvae, and small crustaceans by sifting through the substrate. They are bottom feeders and are most active during the day, using their sensitive lips to detect food in riverbeds.
Behavior
Black redhorses are generally solitary and exhibit diurnal activity, often hiding under rocks or in crevices during the day and becoming more active in flowing waters. They are known for upstream migrations during spawning season and can be territorial around feeding areas, though they typically avoid aggressive interactions.
Conservation Status
Listed as Least Concern by IUCN.