Fin's Fish Guide
The Shorthead redhorse (Moxostoma macrolepidotum) is a freshwater fish of the family Catostomidae that grows up to 75 cm.
Fresh water of central and eastern North America, in clear, flowing rivers and lakes with gravel and stony bottoms.
Description
The shorthead redhorse is a robust sucker of the family Catostomidae (suckers) reaching about 75 cm. The elongate body has large, shiny scales, an inferior sucker-mouth with thick lips and a strikingly red tail fin. With the sucker-mouth the fish scrapes and sucks insect larvae, small molluscs and crustaceans from the bottom. The species is native to the fresh water of central and eastern North America and lives in schools in clear, flowing rivers and lakes with gravel and stone bottoms. In spring it migrates upstream to spawn on gravel bars. It is a sensitive indicator of clean water and, for anglers, a hard-fighting catch.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Shorthead redhorse?
The Shorthead redhorse has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Sturdy sucker with large, glossy scales, an inferior sucking mouth and a red caudal fin; scrapes prey from the bottom.
Where does the Shorthead redhorse live?
The Shorthead redhorse lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Fresh water of central and eastern North America, in clear, flowing rivers and lakes with gravel and stony bottoms.
How big does the Shorthead redhorse get?
The Shorthead redhorse grows to a maximum of about 75 cm. On average the species is around 41 cm.
Is the Shorthead redhorse dangerous to humans?
No, the Shorthead redhorse is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Shorthead redhorse edible?
Yes, the Shorthead redhorse is commonly 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 Shorthead redhorse?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Shorthead redhorse is one of 12,519 species in the app.