Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Clupeiformes
- Family
- Catostomidae
- Genus
- Moxostoma
- Species
- poecilurum
Habitat
This fish inhabits clear, flowing streams and rivers with gravel or rocky substrates, primarily in the southeastern United States such as Alabama, Texas, and Florida. It prefers moderate currents and avoids stagnant or murky waters, often found in riffles and runs of larger river systems.
Diet
The Blacktail redhorse primarily feeds on aquatic insects, small crustaceans, and plant matter by sucking them from the river bottom. It is a diurnal bottom-feeder, actively foraging in riffles during the day for items like larvae and detritus.
Behavior
Blacktail redhorse are generally solitary but may form loose schools during migration or spawning. They are active during the day, spending most of their time near the substrate searching for food, and exhibit territorial behavior around prime feeding spots. This species is known for its ability to navigate fast currents with quick, darting movements.
Conservation Status
Listed as Least Concern by IUCN.