Scientific Name
Ictiobus cyprinellus
Other Names
Buffalo, White buffalo, and Gourdhead
Description
Bigmouth buffalo are deep-bodied fish having a large, wide mouth. They have a coppery olive-brown or gray back and sides with a white belly and white lips. Bigmouth buffalo can be distinguished from common carp by the lack of barbels on the mouth, and from smallmouth buffalo by the mouth pointing straight ahead. Bigmouth buffalo can reach lengths of 4 feet. They normally weigh between 3 and 12 pounds, but can reach weights of 80 pounds. Bigmouth buffalo can live up to 10 years in Mississippi, however, some have been reported to live as long as 20 years.
Habits and Habitat
These fish feed on the bottom seeking insects, mollusks, plants and algae. Bigmouth buffalo prefer large streams, rivers, oxbow lakes and reservoirs. Bigmouth buffalo spawn in the spring in shallow water when water temperatures are between 58ºF and 78ºF.
State Record
Mississippi’s Rod and Reel record is 46 pounds 3 ounces, caught by Willie Hearn at a private pond in 2007.
Fishing Fact
Bigmouth buffalo are rarely caught with a rod and reel, but are commonly sought after by commercial fishermen.