Greater Redhorse (Moxostoma valenciennesi)

Status: State Threatened (1989).

Occurrence: Widely scattered localities within the Mississippi River and Lake Michigan drainage basins.  A map outlining Pre-1977 and 1997 to Present Distribution is available.

Aid to ID: Largest of the redhorses (Moxostoma spp.). Somewhat compressed body, red tail, rows of dark spots on back and sides, large mouth and full lips. Differs from river redhorse (M. carinatum) in lacking both the molar-like throat teeth and squared snout. Back brown olive, sides golden, belly whitish. Adult size: 18 inches (46cm).

Habitat: Clear waters of medium to large-sized rivers, reservoirs and large lakes at depths of less than 3 feet (1m) over sand, gravel or boulders.

Food Habits: Greater redhorses eat midge larvae, mollusks, crustaceans and plant material.

Natural History: Spawn in May and June in moderately rapid waters of streams on gravel, sand or rubble. Males hold territories and are periodically visited by females for spawning. No nest construction has been observed.

Management Considerations: Formerly listed as an endangered species in Wisconsin, greater redhorses are now known to be more common than previously thought. Continued monitoring of population levels are needed. See summary fish management section.

Information compiled from publication ER-091.