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The Golden Redhorse

Golden Redhorse is a freshwater sucker of rivers and some lakes in central and eastern North America. It occupies a varied mix of pools, runs and riffles.

Drainage Range

The distribution includes portions of the Great Lakes, Hudson Bay and Mississippi systems, with additional Atlantic and Gulf drainage records. Potomac, Roanoke and Mobile basin occurrences illustrate that the range crosses several major watershed boundaries. Local river information remains valuable.

Bottom Habitat

Adults use habitats ranging from muddy to rocky bottoms and occur in some lakes as well as rivers. A single substrate label would therefore oversimplify the species’ setting. Current, waterbody type and bottom material work together in a useful habitat description.

Food and Size

Mayfly, caddisfly and midge larvae are recorded foods. The reference maximum is 78 centimeters total length, with a separately published weight of 4.1 kilograms. A common length of 28.8 centimeters is much smaller and should not be confused with the exceptional upper reference.

Distinguish Common and Maximum Size

Golden Redhorse size references vary substantially. Keep typical lengths separate from published maxima when describing what an observer is likely to encounter.

All Lakes With Golden Redhorse

Browse lakes and reservoirs with documented Golden Redhorse records, listed alphabetically. Records do not establish current abundance or public access. Check the evidence and managing authority for the water you choose.

Showing 1–24 of 314 lakes · Page 1 of 14

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