Scientific Name
Ictiobus bubalus
Other Names
Razor-back buffalo, Round buffalo, Buffalo drum, and Roachback
Description
Smallmouth buffalo are deep-bodied. They are light to dark gray or black with a high arched back. This species of buffalo has a large head and large eyes with a small, downward turned mouth. Smallmouth buffalo can be distinguished from common carp by the lack of barbells, and from bigmouth buffalo by the mouth being downward-pointing, and sucker-like. These buffalo can grow to lengths of around 36 inches. This fish usually weighs between 6 and 8 pounds, but can reach weights of up to 50 pounds. In the Yalobusha River, smallmouth buffalo can live at least nine years, but they have been reported living up to 18 years in different states.
Habits and Habitat
Smallmouth buffalo prefer deep, large streams, rivers, oxbow lakes, and reservoirs; this fish feeds on the bottom for insects, mollusks, plants, and algae. Between March and May, spawning occurs in shallow water with temperatures between 57ºF and 70ºF.
State Record
Mississippi’s Rod and Reel record is 57 pounds 12 ounces, caught by Charles M. Cox at Ross Barnett Reservoir in 1983.
Fishing Fact
Smallmouth buffalo can be taken fishing worms on the bottom, but are rarely caught with a rod and reel. They are commonly sought after by commercial anglers with gill nets.