Smallmouth buffalo

Smallmouth buffalo (Ictiobus bubalus) is a freshwater species recorded in the United States.

Scientific name: Ictiobus bubalus · Water: Freshwater

Size: up to 112 cm

About

The smallmouth buffalo is a demersal catostomid whose adults inhabit pools, backwaters and the main channels of small to large rivers, as well as lakes and impoundments. They feed on shellfish and algae, grinding them with the bony plates in the throat, and they appear to be a good candidate for aquaculture; it is marketed fresh and eaten pan-fried, broiled and baked. Maximum length is about 112 cm total length, commonly about 58.5 cm, and it can live 15 years. It is a commercial species and a gamefish. Fishing vulnerability is high to very high at 68 of 100 and resilience low. IUCN lists it as least concern.

Ecology and habitat

Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Distribution status
Native
Trophic level
3.0
Maximum age
15 years

Fishery and market

Game fish
Yes
Resilience
Low

Methods

Sources

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