Redhorse (Genus Moxostoma) are members of the sucker family Catistomidae. There are 12 species in North America, but only 6 are relatively common.
Redhorse have large, shiny scales and maintain solid body coloration with some species sporting vibrant orange/red fin and tail colors. Like typical suckers, their mouth is located on the under-side of the head and the shape of the fish’s fleshy lips can help in identifying which species you are looking at.
Redhorse prefer clean, fast- moving streams and rivers with some standing pools. These fish rarely prosper in polluted, silty
or overly fertile waterways. The presence of Redhorse is an indi-cation of health in a stream and unfortunately many populations of Redhorse are being impacted by unhealthy stream conditions. Some states have taken steps to
help protect certain species by placing them on their endan-gered, threatened or “special concern” lists.
Greater Redhorse are the lar- gest species, attaining weights up to 17 pounds. They are primarily found in rivers and streams throughout the upper Midwest from eastern South Dakota to northern New York. They are well adapted to feed on clams, snails and similar food items thanks to their crushing molar-like teeth, but they will feed on worms and aquatic invertebrates as well. They have a large mouth and a rounded head and snout. In many states they are considered
Threatened.
River Redhorse are often confused with Greater Redhorse as they share many similarities, including growth to significant sizes. However, they can be distinguished from the Greater Redhorse by a sharp tip on the top of the caudal (tail) fin, as well as the mouth structure and the number of scales around the tail.
River Redhorse prefer large, clean rivers with relatively swift waters and clean gravel bottom structures. They feed on many of the same foods as the Greater Redhorse, but they have a much larger distribution including states throughout the Midwest all the way south to Mississippi and Alabama.
Shorthead Redhorse are a more common species that exhibit bright red/orange tail and fin colorations. They have small mouths and primarily feed on aquatic invertebrates. They are more tolerant of turbid waters
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Redhorse Suckers
Identification and Distribution
Getting to know these native species
by Pete Gregoire
A key distinguishing characteristic of Redhorse are the shapes of their mouths.
Photo courtesy of Olaf Nelson www.moxostoma.com
Breeding redhorse males will often get bumps around their head and fins. These are called nuptial tubercles and may be used to defend breeding territory.
Pictured is a River Redhorse caught during the breeding season on hook and line.
Photo Courtesy of Olaf Nelson
Obscure Adventures Magazine