Species profile
Shorthead Redhorse
Moxostoma macrolepidotum
At a glance
Shorthead Redhorse (Moxostoma macrolepidotum) is an IUCN Least Concern bony-fish species regulated in 21 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
The strictest bag limit is 1 (Northwest Territories); the most generous is 100 (Missouri).
Confirmed by 1,037 research-grade iNaturalist observations, with Minnesota, Ontario, and Michigan the top jurisdictions by observation count.
Notable details
- Its proportionally small head is the key field mark that gives this species its common name.
- Striking orange-red fins contrast sharply with its silver-gray body.
- It feeds by sifting through sandy and gravelly substrate for insect larvae and mollusks.
- It is one of the most widespread redhorse suckers across central and eastern North America.
- Spawning males develop small tubercles on their body during spring breeding runs.
Where Shorthead Redhorse are seen
Jurisdictions with rules for Shorthead Redhorse
Background
The shorthead redhorse is a wide-ranging species in North America. The shorthead redhorse is native to central and eastern North America. However, its range has expanded to include areas like the Hudson estuary and Grayson County, Texas. It inhabits small to large rivers and lakes, and lives in the benthic zone. Shorthead redhorse feed on benthic invertebrates and can consume plant material from…
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Shorthead Redhorse article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other bony fish on CatchRules
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.