pdf version - South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks
pdf version - South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks
pdf version - South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks
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Bigmouth Buffalo<br />
Ictiobus cyprinellus<br />
Quick key characteristics: The bigmouth buffalo is found in cool- <strong>and</strong><br />
warm-water habitats. It has large, bronze scales <strong>and</strong> s<strong>of</strong>t fi ns with an<br />
elongated dorsal fi n. It has a large, forward-facing mouth <strong>and</strong> blunt snout not<br />
overhanging mouth. Its body is taller than wide.<br />
Similar species in <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong>: other buffalos, carpsuckers, carps<br />
Identifi cation: The combination <strong>of</strong> (1) a large, forward-facing mouth with<br />
the tip <strong>of</strong> upper lip nearly level with the lower edge <strong>of</strong> the eye, (2) lack <strong>of</strong><br />
barbels, <strong>and</strong> (3) lack <strong>of</strong> heavy, serrated fi n spines distinguishes the bigmouth<br />
buffalo from similar fi shes in <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong>.<br />
Range: The bigmouth buffalo is native to the Mississippi River basin <strong>and</strong><br />
adjacent Gulf <strong>of</strong> Mexico river basins. In <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong>, it occupies larger<br />
tributaries, impoundments, <strong>and</strong> free-fl owing reaches <strong>of</strong> the Missouri River<br />
<strong>and</strong> some glacial lakes.<br />
Items <strong>of</strong> interest:<br />
• Commercially harvested for market<br />
• Commonly found in schools at varying depths<br />
• Adults are fi lter feeders that strain zooplankton from open-water<br />
habitats<br />
• May reach 40 in. <strong>and</strong> 80 lbs.<br />
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