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Robust redhorse (Moxostoma robustum) — Catostomidae

Robust redhorse

Moxostoma robustum
Family: Catostomidae

The Robust redhorse (Moxostoma robustum) is a freshwater fish of the family Catostomidae that grows up to 42 cm.

Length
42 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: USA

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Description

The robust redhorse is a large sucker (Catostomidae) from fresh water of the southeastern United States. The species grows to about 42 cm and has a robust, elongate, copper-coloured body with a thick, underslung, fleshy sucker mouth and reddish fins. As a bottom-dweller it sucks up molluscs, small invertebrates and detritus over gravel bottoms of rivers. Through habitat loss the species has become rare. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Robust redhorse?

The Robust redhorse has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly red-orange.

Where does the Robust redhorse live?

The Robust redhorse lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America: USA

How big does the Robust redhorse get?

The Robust redhorse grows to a maximum of about 42 cm.

Is the Robust redhorse dangerous to humans?

No, the Robust redhorse is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

More photos

Robust redhorse (Moxostoma robustum) — Catostomidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) stygobite, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Robust redhorse (Moxostoma robustum) — Catostomidae — 3
Wikimedia Commons — James Emery (CC BY 2.0)
Robust redhorse (Moxostoma robustum) — Catostomidae — 4
Wikimedia Commons — Couch, Karen J. - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Public domain)
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All data

Identification

English name
Robust redhorse sourced
Scientific name
Moxostoma robustum
Family
Catostomidae
Other names
Smallfin redhorse verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
42.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
North America: USA sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Moxostoma

More from the family Catostomidae

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