Shorthead Redhorse
(Moxostoma macrolepidotum)
The shorthead redhorse is one of seven species of redhorse suckers found in Ohio. They are large bottom feeding fish that are often mistaken for carp. However these fish, unlike carp, are indicators of a healthy river system and are native to the state of Ohio.
Description
Shorthead redhorse have a small head and a relatively long slender body. They have a concave (curves in toward body) dorsal fin and a bright red tail. Their body is gold to silver on the sides with a darker olive-brown back. They differ from the very similar smallmouth redhorse in having a longer and not as deeply concave dorsal fin. The shorthead redhorse is only found in Lake Erie and its tributaries. Smallmouth redhorse are only found in the Ohio River and its tributaries. Greater and river redhorse have larger heads, deeper bodies, and nearly straight dorsal fins. Ohio's other three redhorse have slate gray tails
Habitat and Habits
Shorthead redhorse are found in Lake Erie and in the lower portion of its larger tributaries. They prefer relatively shallow water and swift currents. They are found in areas with a clean sand or gravel substrate free of clay or silt. Shorthead redhorse are intolerant of pollution and turbid (murky) water and are an indicator of good water quality.
Reproduction and Care of the Young
Shorthead redhorse spawn in April and May. Large numbers migrate upstream from Lake Erie to spawn at night at the top and bottom ends of shallow riffles. Two males will press a single female between them while all three fish vibrate as eggs and sperm are released. They burry their eggs in fine gravel with their tails. No further parental care is given.