Reference Guide > Montana Fish Field Guide > Suckers > Smallmouth Buffalo
Smallmouth Buffalo - Ictiobus bubalus
Global Rank: G5
State Rank: S5
Agency Status
USFWS: none
USFS: none
BLM: none
CFWCS Tier: 3
General Description
Montana's two buffalo fishes are both found east of the Divide. They are both large, heavy, deep-bodied fishes with long dorsal fins. They prefer reservoirs and larger rivers. In past years there has been a small commercial fishery for them in Fort Peck Reservoir. The smallmouth buffalo is the smaller of the two. They are generally bottom feeders and are reportedly good to eat, but bony.
Diagnostic Characteristics
Bronze to slate or olive on back and sides, often with a bluish cast; lighter below. Fins dark. Top of upper lip is well below margin of eye.
Distribution
Montana Range
Migration
Make long spawning movements from lower Missouri River to upstream areas. Dispersal downstream follows.
Habitat
Found in rivers and impoundments in both shallow and deep water over firm bottoms. Spawn in larger streams with backwater areas.
Food Habits
Mostly aquatic insects, crustaceans, and mollusks. Some plant material also.
Ecology
Downstream portions of Yellowstone River important as rearing areas. Ft. Peck Reservoir is important rearing area.
Reproductive Characteristics
Sexually mature at 3 yrs. Incubation: 10 days. Eggs laid over bottom or on vegetation. Spawns late May - July on middle Missouri River with peak in mid-June.
Citations & Sources
Holton, G. D. 2003. A field guide to Montana fishes. Mont. Dept. Fish, Wildl. Parks, 95 pp.
Citation for data on this website:
Smallmouth Buffalo — Ictiobus bubalus. Montana Field Guide. Retrieved on January 31, 2009, from http://FieldGuide.mt.gov/detail_AFCJC07010.aspx
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