The Virtual Aquarium of Virginia Tech--Suckers

Black Redhorse, Moxostoma duquesnei

 
Physical Description: 
ï¿½	Slender, elongate redhorse
ï¿½	Round or slightly compressed, low dorsal profile
ï¿½	Inferior mouth, round, bulbous snout
ï¿½	Small to medium-sized eye
ï¿½	Dorsal fin edge slightly concave
ï¿½	Tail fin lobes about equal in length, with pointed tips

Similar species: 
ï¿½	Golden redhorse (Moxostoma erythrurum)
ï¿½	Shorthead redhorse (Moxostoma macrolepidotum)

Mean body size:
ï¿½	Adults are 180-300 mm standard length 

Habitat:
ï¿½	Large creeks and rivers of moderate gradient
ï¿½	Adults in well-flowing or deep pools, young in calm shallows
ï¿½	Intolerant of siltation

Distribution in VA:
ï¿½	Tennessee drainage
ï¿½	Extirpated from the Virginia section of the Big Sandy drainage

Food Habits:  
ï¿½	Aquatic insects, other invertebrates, algae, and detritus

Reproductive Habits: 
ï¿½	Some mature by age 2, all by age 4-6
ï¿½	Spawning occurs in April and/or May in water 9-23°C
ï¿½	Occurs on gravel beds and small rubble in runs and riffles
ï¿½	Fecundity has been reported as 1,357-17,252 eggs per female

Population Status, Economic, or Ecological Importance: 
ï¿½	Sensitive to siltation and other forms of pollution
ï¿½	Flavorful meat, but bony

References:       

Jenkins, R.E and N.M. Burkhead. 1993. Freshwater Fishes of Virginia. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, Maryland.

If you are seeking more information for the above species click on the VAFWIS logo (The Virginia Fish and Wildlife Information Service):