Bigmouth Buffalo (Ictiobus cyprinellus)

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Bigmouth Buffalo

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Bigmouth Buffalo

Ictiobus cyprinellus

1703 Litres (450 US G.)

120-123 cm (47.2-48.4")

sg

Freshwater

pH

7.0 - 8.5

12.8-18.3°C (55 -65 °F)

8-15 °d

1:1 M:F

Carnivore
Live Foods
Other (See article)

4-20 years

Family

Catostomidae



Additional names

Gourdhead, Redmouth Buffalo, Common Buffalo, Bigmouth Buffalo, Brown Buffalo

Additional scientific names

Sclerognathus cyprinella, Ictiobus cyprinella


Origin

North America: Hudson Bay, lower Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins from Ontario to Saskatchewan in Canada and from Montana south to Louisiana in the USA.


Sexing

Males will display breeding tubercles on the head, scales and fin rays during spawning season.


Tank compatibility

Carnivorous large fish, not ideal of aquariums outside of public aquaria.


Diet

Eats live food such as crustaceans and worms, digs through the mud in shallow rivers to find food. In captivity, they can be trained to eat some prepared foods such as gel diet.


Feeding regime

Feed once or twice a day.


Environment specifics

The fish comes from rivers and lakes in North America. It is quite hardy and is found in most parts of the rivers and lakes, feeds in the shallower parts.


Behaviour

Large fish that doesn't strictly shoal, found in shallow water to feed, often with it's tail out of water. Is sought after to people who fish as they do grow to such large sizes, and even can be speared in the shallow waters. Can be eaten, but quite bony.


Identification

Olive brown in colour, long dorsal fin, the largest of the Buffalo fish.

Pictures

External links