Smallmouth Buffalo

Smallmouth Buffalo (Ictiobus Bubalus) is a fish species similar to Common Carp that primarily inhabits the waters surrounding Mississippi River and Lake Michigan in the United States as well as other water systems where it has been introduced. This fish prefers to live in clear streams with moderate to fast current, as well as some lakes and ponds with dense vegetation and silty bottom. The Smallmouth Buffalo is distinguished by its narrow but tall bluish-grey body with an arched back. Fully grown fish usually reach a length of around 40–60 cm (16–24 in) and typically weigh 2.5-7 kg (5-15 lb), but some can reach up to 90 cm (35 in) in length with a weight of up to 16 kg (35 lb). The Smallmouth Buffalo is a bottom feeder, its diet consisting primarily of vegetation and other organic matter from the bottom of its habitat, as well as zooplankton, insect larvae, and small crustaceans.