greater redhorse

Greater Redhorse (Moxostoma valenciennesi)

Several species of redhorse are found in New York-silver, black, golden, greater, and shorthead-although they are generally less commonly observed than the white sucker-- the only member of the sucker family frequently observed by humans. The shorthead redhorse is probably the most commonly observed member of the redhorse genus, Moxostoma.

Generally, redhorses have a dark back and silvery sides, giving a bronze or copper reflection. These fish usually have paired fins with red, orange, or copper tint; some species also have red to orange dorsal, anal, and tail fins. They range in average size from 10 to 18 inches and from 1 to several pounds. As with other suckers, redhorses spawn in spring.

The New York distribution of the greater redhorse is limited to several tributaries of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.

distribution

Distribution of the greater redhorse in NY state.

A 420 KB image of the greater redhorse is also available for download.

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