Buffalo Fish refers to a group of large, native North American freshwater fish often mistaken for carp. These fish are correctly classified within the Sucker family (Catostomidae), belonging specifically to the genus Ictiobus. They are among the largest and longest-lived species within the sucker family.
Identifying the Buffalo Fishes
The three species of Buffalo Fish are the Bigmouth Buffalo (Ictiobus cyprinellus), the Smallmouth Buffalo (Ictiobus bubalus), and the Black Buffalo (Ictiobus niger). Distinguishing between these species relies largely on the position and shape of their mouths. The Bigmouth Buffalo is unique among suckers because it possesses a large, terminal mouth that faces forward, reflecting its habit as a plankton filter-feeder.
Both the Smallmouth and Black Buffalo have subterminal or ventral mouths, positioned on the underside of the head for bottom feeding. The Smallmouth Buffalo typically has a deep, stocky body with a noticeable ridge on its back, and its mouth is located further back on its head. The Black Buffalo tends to be more cylindrical and streamlined, with its mouth situated slightly more forward, almost directly beneath the snout.
Native Geographic Distribution
The native distribution of Buffalo Fishes is vast, centering on the great river systems of central North America. Their primary range covers the entire Mississippi River Basin, extending from the northern United States down to the Gulf of Mexico. This network includes major tributaries like the Ohio and Missouri Rivers, covering the Midwest and South-Central regions.
The range extends northward into Canada, including the Red River of the North drainage in North Dakota and Manitoba, and parts of the Hudson Bay drainage. Southward, distribution follows the Gulf Coast drainages, reaching Texas, Louisiana, and Alabama. They are also found in parts of the lower Great Lakes region, from Ontario to the southern United States.
The Smallmouth Buffalo has a slightly broader native range, extending from the Lake Michigan drainage to Mobile Bay in Alabama. Conversely, the Black Buffalo generally has a more concentrated range within the Mississippi River system. They are widespread North American fish, with populations established in states from Montana and Wisconsin to Oklahoma and Mississippi.
Preferred Aquatic Environments
Buffalo Fishes prefer freshwater systems characterized by slow-moving or standing water. This includes backwaters, sloughs, and oxbow lakes associated with large rivers, as well as reservoirs and natural lakes.
They are highly tolerant of challenging water conditions, including high turbidity. They are frequently found in muddled waters where suspended sediment levels can exceed 100 parts per million. Their preferred substrate is soft, consisting of mud, silt, or sand.
The species also tolerates warmer water temperatures, thriving in conditions between 72.5 to 100.4 °F (22.5 to 38.0 °C). They tend to inhabit areas of low current velocity, staying in water moving slower than 30 centimeters per second. Spawning often occurs in shallow, freshly-flooded areas rich with vegetation during the spring months.