Fin's Fish Guide
The Blacktail redhorse (Moxostoma poecilurum) is a freshwater fish of the family Catostomidae that grows up to 51 cm.
Description
The blacktail redhorse is a sucker (Catostomidae) from the southeastern United States. The species has an elongate, silvery body with an inferior, fleshy sucking mouth and a conspicuous dark stripe on the tail base and lower tail lobe. It inhabits sandy and rocky pools, runs and riffles of small to medium rivers, and also impoundments. Sucking the bottom, it feeds on insect larvae, small invertebrates and detritus. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blacktail redhorse?
The Blacktail redhorse has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Inferior sucker mouth and a dark caudal stripe; bottom-sucking sucker of the south-eastern USA.
Where does the Blacktail redhorse live?
The Blacktail redhorse lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Southeastern United States; rivers and reservoirs.
How big does the Blacktail redhorse get?
The Blacktail redhorse grows to a maximum of about 51 cm. On average the species is around 26 cm.
Is the Blacktail redhorse dangerous to humans?
No, the Blacktail redhorse is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Blacktail redhorse edible?
The Blacktail redhorse is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Moxostoma
More from the family Catostomidae
Want the complete picture on the Blacktail redhorse?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blacktail redhorse is one of 12,519 species in the app.