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Montana Field Guides

Bigmouth Buffalo - Ictiobus cyprinellus

  • Bigmouth Buffalo Color Plate
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  • Bigmouth Buffalo Photograph
  • Bigmouth Buffalo Outline
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Global Rank: G5
State Rank: S4

Agency Status
USFWS:
USFS:
BLM:
FWP Conservation Tier: 2

External Links


 
General Description
The Bigmouth Buffalo has a more terminal mouth, (that is, opening at the front of the head), which allows it to feed on plankton as well as bottom organisms and detritus. These barrel-shaped fish are rarely taken on hook and line. Bigmouth Buffalo can produce hundreds of thousands of eggs and live over 20 years. (FWP)

Diagnostic Characteristics
Usually dark colored (brownish or blackish), often with a coppery sheen; sometimes greenish or gray. Underside whitish or yellow; fins dark.

General Distribution
Montana Range



Western Hemisphere Range

 


Summary of Observations Submitted for Montana
Number of Observations: 2197

(Click on the following maps and charts to see full sized version) Map Help and Descriptions
Relative Density

Recency

 

(Records associated with a range of dates are excluded from time charts)



Migration
Make long spawning movements from lower Missouri River to upstream areas. Dispersal downstream follows.

Habitat
Large rivers and reservoirs. Spawn in larger streams with backwater areas.

Food Habits
Plankton, crustaceans, and diptera larvae are the major food items.

Ecology
Downstream portions of Yellowstone River important as rearing areas. Adults school.

Reproductive Characteristics
Spawns May - July at 60 degrees F. in shallow water. Sexual mature at 3 yrs. Spawns over bottom or on vegetation. Incubation: 8 - 14 days. Spawn peaks early to mid June on middle Missouri River.

References
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Citation for data on this website:
Bigmouth Buffalo — Ictiobus cyprinellus.  Montana Field Guide.  Montana Natural Heritage Program and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.  Retrieved on May 19, 2013, from http://FieldGuide.mt.gov/detail_AFCJC07020.aspx
 
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