height is less than that number, then you most likely have a Black Buffalo. If the fish’s height is greater than that number, then you most likely have a Smallmouth Buffalo. When in doubt it may be necessary to locate a trained fish biologist to determine the correct species.
The other species of Buffalo, the Usumacinta and Fleshylip are found in Central America and Mexico, with little information readily available on either species.
10
May, 2015
GET TO KNOW THE BUFFALO
The Bigmouth Buffalo (Ictiobus cyprinellus) is generally considered to be the largest of the common Buffalo species, with large specimens approaching 90 lbs. Unlike its cousins the Smallmouth and Black Buffalo, the Bigmouth Buffalo has a mouth that opens towards the front of its head, rather than under its head like most of its Sucker relatives.
The Bigmouth is a filter feeder that prefers muddy bottoms. It is known to stir up the bottom and swim around filtering out the plankton suspended in the water. They can tolerate low oxygen levels and warm water conditions as well.
The Bigmouth Buffalo spawns in shallow waters in the springtime making it more susceptible to spearing and bowfishing. Females are tended by many males and they release their eggs to be fertilized in shallow areas of high turbidity around vegetation. The eggs are adhesive and stick to the vegetation after being released. One female can lay millions of eggs during a spawning season.
This species has a wide distribution through the major river systems of central North America and into Canada. The species has also been introduced into some southwestern states, like reservoirs in Arizona and even southern California.
Buffalo are the largest member of the Sucker family (Catostomidae) and are sought after as a food source commercially. There are 5 species of Buffalo in North America, but only 3 that you are likely to encounter. The genus Ictiobus means “bull-fish” in Greek.
Smallmouth Buffalo (Ictiobus bubalus), prefer moderate to fast moving river systems with silty bottoms and submerged vegetation. They use their downward-facing mouths to suck up bottom vegetation and algae, scraping away the attached invertebrates, insect larvae, and small crustaceans.
The fish has a stocky build and a relatively large eye, which is considered to be a distinguishing characteristic, compared to its cousin the Black Buffalo. The fish attain very impressive sizes over time. The BAA World Record currently stands at 106 lbs., taken in Texas, with other fish topping 90 lbs. also on record.
The Smallmouth Buffalo has a similar range to the Bigmouth Buffalo and they spawn during similar time periods. It’s been suggested that hybrids exist between Bigmouth and Smallmouth, and possibly even the Black Buffalo as well.
Smallmouth Buffalo
Black Buffalo
Very similar in size to the Smallmouth Buffalo, and with few distinguishing characteristics, it’s possible that the Black Buffalo (Ictiobus niger) is often confused with the Smallmouth Buffalo. Many experts point to the eye being smaller in the Black Buffalo, and often the lips are fleshier and have may have folds.
It’s generally accepted that the Smallmouth is a “deeper” fish than the Black, meaning that the overall height of the fish is greater in proportion to the fish’s length. One example is to measure the fish and divide the length by 3. If the fish’s body
Bigmouth Buffalo