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Suckers: Blacktail Redhorse | |
 Blacktail Redhorse Florida Range: All major river systems in the western Panhandle, from the Perdido River, eastward to the Choctawhatchee River system. Overall distribution: Eastern Texas, eastward to the Choctawhatchee River of Florida. Ranges northward from the Gulf Coast to Arkansas, Tennessee and northwestern Georgia. Identification: The blacktail redhorse may be readily separated from all other Florida suckers by the color pattern of the tail fin. The lower lobe of the tail fin is bordered lengthwise by a white band. Above this white edge is a parallel black band which extends from the base of the tail to the rear edge of the fin. Otherwise, this elongate, cylindrical, moderately compressed sucker superficially resembles the spotted sucker, river redhorse and greyfin redhorse. General body coloration is bronze to brownish over the back, with silvery sides and a white bottom. Color of all fins, except the tail, varies from reddish to white. Life History and Ecology: Details of biology and ecology apparently have not been thoroughly investigated. Spawning takes place in shoal areas of small streams from March to May. Two or three males may spawn with one female. They may reach 20 inches in length and weigh 3.1 pounds. Blacktail redhorse inhabit both large rivers and their tributary streams and may sometimes be found in reservoirs. Bottom types in typical streams may vary from soft sand or silt to gravel and rock. Status: Blacktail redhorse are abundant in moderate-size streams and large rivers of northwestern Florida and apparently face no immediate threats to their continued existence. Fishery: Where legal, sport fishing for suckers with gigs or nets is popular and blacktail redhorse are an important component of this fishery. However, you should check the rules of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission before using these methods in your area. For the "Sucker Fish Regulations" Brochure click here. | Index By Common Name Airbreathing catfish    
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