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Shorthead Redhorse

Shorthead Redhorse

The Shorthead Redhorse is a bottom-feeding sucker that serves as an excellent water quality indicator, avoiding turbid or murky waters that can cause blindness. These are locally migrant fish that don't travel long distances.

Scientific Name: Moxostoma macrolepidotum

Physical Characteristics:

Distinctive silvery to golden-bronze coloration, dark olive-brown backs, and bright reddish-orange dorsal, anal, and tail fins.

Easily identified by their characteristically small head (17-19% of total length), downward-pointing fleshy mouth, and unique pea-shaped swelling on the upper lip that helps them suck food from rocks and gravel.

In Massachusetts, they typically measure 9-18 inches and weigh 1-3 pounds, though individuals can reach up to 2 feet and 5 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

Rivers, streams, and lakes with clear waters and sand, gravel, or rock bottoms with medium to strong currents

Specific Spots

Focus on riffles, riffle margins, rocky pools, and runs in rivers and streams, particularly areas with clean sand, gravel, or rocky substrates free of clay and silt. Target outside bends, drop-offs, undercut banks, rock and boulder pockets, current edges, and areas near dams and falls. Fish the bottom in fast-flowing sections.

Shorthead Redhorse FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Shorthead Redhorse in Massachusetts?

Nightcrawlers and worms as primary baits, clams, shrimp, canned meat, and multi-colored sponges. Use half a worm on hooks.

How do you catch Shorthead Redhorse in Massachusetts?

Bottom fishing, slip-float rig (particularly using cigar slip-float with 1/8-ounce ballhead jig), drift fishing, still fishing, and spin casting. Prop your rod against something to easily detect subtle bites. The floating bait presentation helps prevent snags in steady-moving water.

What do Shorthead Redhorse eat?

Feed on approximately 60 different food categories, primarily benthic invertebrates including insect larvae, mayflies, water fleas, caddisflies, small mollusks, scuds, worms, and various aquatic invertebrates - eating more insects than any other sucker species.

Where do Shorthead Redhorse live in Massachusetts?

Rivers, streams, and lakes with clear waters and sand, gravel, or rock bottoms with medium to strong currents

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