Range and Identity
Moxostoma robustum occurs in large Atlantic-slope rivers from the Pee Dee region toward the Altamaha in Georgia. It was overlooked for many years through confusion with similar suckers. Bronze coloration, a stout body and detailed mouth features contribute to identification.
Habitat and Behavior
Adults can move long distances entirely within fresh water, from lower-gradient coastal reaches toward gravel bars near Piedmont shoals. Connected routes and clean spawning gravel serve different but complementary needs. A fish recorded downstream may belong to a population that breeds much farther upriver.
Food and Life History
Molar-like throat teeth crush snails, freshwater mussels and other invertebrates. Agency upper references reach about thirty-one inches total length and 18.6 pounds. Juvenile fins can be strongly red, with the color fading as fish age, so appearance changes over the life cycle.
Field Note
Record life stage and mouth features with a photograph. Red fin color can be more conspicuous in young fish and should not be required of every older adult.
All Lakes With Robust Redhorse
Browse all lakes and reservoirs with confirmed Robust Redhorse records in our database, listed alphabetically.
No published lakes are currently linked to this species in our confirmed records.