Fin's Fish Guide
The Silver redhorse (Moxostoma anisurum) is a freshwater fish of the family Catostomidae that grows up to 74 cm.
North America; pools and flowing sections of rivers of Canada and the northern United States.
Description
The silver redhorse is a North American sucker of the family Catostomidae. The species grows to about 74 cm and has a streamlined, silvery body with an inferior, fleshy sucking mouth. It inhabits pools and runs with mud to rock bottoms of small to large rivers and is occasionally found in lakes. With its sucking mouth it searches the bottom for insect larvae, small crustaceans and molluscs. Redhorses spawn in spring over gravel bottoms. The silver redhorse is locally fished and eaten and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Silver redhorse?
The Silver redhorse has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Inferior sucker mouth; spawns in spring on gravel bottoms.
Where does the Silver redhorse live?
The Silver redhorse lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America; pools and flowing sections of rivers of Canada and the northern United States.
How big does the Silver redhorse get?
The Silver redhorse grows to a maximum of about 74 cm. On average the species is around 33 cm.
Is the Silver redhorse dangerous to humans?
No, the Silver redhorse is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Silver redhorse edible?
The Silver 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 Silver redhorse?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Silver redhorse is one of 12,519 species in the app.