The Virtual Aquarium of Virginia Tech--Suckers

Golden Redhorse, Moxostoma erythrurum

 
Physical Description: 
ï¿½	Moderate, slightly compressed body
ï¿½	Bicolored upper body scales
ï¿½	Large lips, inferior mouth, round snout
ï¿½	Somewhat large eye
ï¿½	Dorsal fin edge concave
ï¿½	Tail fin with pointed tips and equal-sized lobes
ï¿½	Variable colors, but usually copper-colored
ï¿½	Nuptial males have a dark horizontal stripe on the sides
ï¿½	Have dark lines across the nape and dorsal saddles

Similar species: 
ï¿½	River redhorse (Moxostoma carinatum)
ï¿½	Silver redhorse (Moxostoma anisurum)

Mean body size:
ï¿½	Adults are 200-375 mm S.L. 

Habitat:
ï¿½	Found in warm, large creeks, big rivers, natural lakes, and impoundments
ï¿½	Tolerant of moderate turbidity and siltation
ï¿½	Most abundant in relatively clear, unpolluted streams with large, permanent pools and rocky riffles

Distribution in VA:
ï¿½	Atlantic slope in the Potomac, James, Chowan, and Roanoke drainages
ï¿½	Probably introduced into the Potomac drainage

Food Habits:  
ï¿½	Aquatic insects, other invertebrates, detritus, and algae 
ï¿½	Feed most intensely at night

Reproductive Habits: 
ï¿½	Mature between ages 3 and 5
ï¿½	Spawning occurs in mid- to late spring, in water 10-22.5ï¿½C
ï¿½	Over gravel beds in very shallow runs and riffles
ï¿½	Fecundity at 5,041-25,350 eggs per female

Population Status, Economic, or Ecological Importance: 
ï¿½	One of the most common redhorses

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):