User:Kclayton21/sandbox
| Greater redhorse | |
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| Greater Redhorse (Moxostoma valenciennesi) | |
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| Species: | M. valenciennesi
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| Binomial name | |
| Moxostoma valenciennesi[[File:]] (D. S. Jordan, 1885)
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Distribution and Habitat
The greater redhorse, Moxostoma valenciennesi, is a species of freshwater fish endemic to states in the northcentral and northeastern United States as well as Ontario and Quebec in Canada. It is typically found in clear, relatively fast-moving rivers and in both shallow and deep waters in some lakes. They are unable to survive in even the slightest polluted waters. They, therefore have the strong ability to detect contaminated water sources.
Physical Description
The greater redhorse is the largest fish in its genus, averaging around 46 cm (18 in) and 2 kg (4.4 lb) and reaching a maximum size of 80 cm (31.5 in) and 5.9 kg (13 lb). This species of fish have small eye sockets in relationship to their large rounded skull. On either side of the greater redhorse's body is a redish, gold pectoral fin. The posterior part of the dorsal fin varies from straight to slightly convex and is only slightly notched. The slight notch is used for slow swimming bottom-feeders, as in the Actinopterygii subclass. The greater redhorse is most easily identified by it's bright rusty red colored tail fin and the rows of black spots along its sides and back.
Diet Habits
A bottom-feeder's mouth opens in the inferior position of the ventral surface of the fish. It feeds on various bottom dwelling organisms including, microcrustaceans, aquatic and larval insects, detritus, snails, and algae.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Spawning for the greater redhorse will begin in May or June. To build their gravel and sand nests, they locate an area in moderately fast waters. Once male territories are established, the females will visit two males at a time and begin their spawning process. The two males will surround the female and perform a shaking motion. This is when both the eggs and the sperm are released. Upon burial of the eggs, the parents leave with no further parental care. Following fertilization, the greater redhorse eggs would hatch after six to eight days at a mean temperature of 19° C. Growth rates of this species are controversial among various parts of their habitats.
Conservation Status
Overall, the greater redhorse is being threatened in many northern states it calls home. In general, it is not used as a recreational sport fishing catch. However, the greater redhorse's status as a prey species is unknown. Because this species is impacted greatly by pollutants, their endangered status may come from a decreased conscientiousness of where wastes are disposed.
References
- "Moxostoma valenciennesi". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 6 June 2006.
- Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.). "Moxostoma valenciennesi". FishBase. November 2005 version.
- NatureServe - Moxostoma valenciennesi