Bigmouth Buffalo

Other names: Gourdhead, Marblehead, Redmouth buffalo, Buffalofish, Bernard buffalo

The bigmouth buffalo, Ictiobus cyprinellus, is a large freshwater fish native to North America. It has a robust body with a large, terminal mouth. This species inhabits slow-moving waters such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs and is notable for its longevity and size, making it important for both commercial fisheries and sport fishing.

Length
~68 (max 120)
Weight
~18 (max 36)
Water
Fresh
Water Temp
22-38° F
Depth
5 ft

Other names
Gourdhead, Marblehead, Redmouth buffalo, Buffalofish, Bernard buffalo
Length
~68 (max 120)
Weight
~18 (max 36)
Water
Fresh
Water Temp
22-38° F
Depth
5 ft

Popular lures for Bigmouth Buffalo

Bread

Bread or Dough Balls

Crustaceans

Cut Bait (Fish)

Doughballs

Inline Spinners

Minnows

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Regulation for Bigmouth Buffalo

Check all regulations in IA

Season
-
Bag limit
-
Vessel limit
-
Trophy limits
-
Max size
-
Min size
-
Measurement
-
Prohibited methods
-

Check all regulations in IA

Living Conditions

🐟 Habitat preferences
- Found in main channels, pools, and backwaters of rivers, lakes, and reservoirs
- Prefers slow-moving or still waters with muddy or sandy bottoms
- Juveniles are often in shallow, vegetated areas
- Diet includes plankton, small invertebrates, and plant material
♻️ Life cycle and mating behavior
- Spawning occurs in spring in shallow, vegetated waters
- Eggs are released over sand, gravel, or among vegetation
- Larvae drift downstream to quieter waters
- Exhibits strong site fidelity, returning to the same areas for spawning annually