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Silver Redhorse
Moxostoma anisurum
At-a-Glance
• Family: Catostomidae (Suckers)
• Other Names: Redhorse, sucker
• Ohio Status: No special status
• Adult Size: Typically 18-24 inches, can reach 30 inches. Usually weigh 2-5 pounds, can reach 10 lbs.
• Typical Foods: Larval insects, snails, small mollusks and other aquatic invertebrates. |
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Description
The silver redhorse is silver on the sides with a darker gray-brown back and a slate gray tail. Their dorsal fin is slightly convex (outwardly rounded) and has 14-17 rays. The rear edge of the silver redhorse lips forms a deep "V". The silver redhorse is deeper bodied than all other Ohio redhorse species. Black and golden redhorse have slightly concave dorsal fins (curves in toward body) with only 12-14 rays, and are not as deep bodied. Ohio's other four species of redhorse have red tails.
Habitat and Habits
Silver redhorse are found in medium to large rivers throughout the state. They are intolerant of pollution or very turbid (murky) waters and are an indicator of good water quality. This species is typically found in deep slow pools and is often found over a sand substrate.
Reproduction and Care of the Young
Silver redhorse spawn in April and May. They spawn at night at the top and bottom ends of shallow riffles. Two males will press a single female between them while all three fish vibrate as eggs and sperm are released. They burry their eggs in fine gravel with their tails. No further parental care is given.
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