Bigmouth Buffalo

Family: 
Catostomidae (suckers) in the order Cypriniformes (carps, minnows and loaches)
Description: 

Large bodied with large scales. Dark lower fins. Long, sickle-shaped dorsal fin. Oblique mouth.

Size: 
Total length: 15-27 inches (maximum 48 inches).
Habitat and conservation: 
Deeper pools of rivers, streams and impoundments.
Foods: 
Omnivorous, feeding on invertebrates and detritus from the bottom.
Distribution in Missouri: 
In streams, rivers and impoundments throughout most of Missouri except for the extreme southwest and south central regions.
Status: 
Commercial, game.
Life cycle: 
Can live up to 10 years.
Human connections: 
Many people enjoy bigmouth buffalo meat smoked or deep fried. Seldom taken on a hook and line; most are caught with trammel nets and other commercial fishing gear. Well-suited for artificial propagation.
Ecosystem connections: 
Aquatic invertebrate control.