How to Identify Golden Redhorse

To identify Golden Redhorse (Moxostoma erythrurum), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Dorsal surface olive to dark brown, fading to golden-bronze or brassy yellow on the sides, and white or silvery on the belly. Fins are typically yellowish to orange, sometimes reddish, especially during spawning. Juveniles may have faint dusky spots or blotches.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

subterminal

Distinctive features

Large, fleshy, papillose lips with a subterminal mouth adapted for bottom feeding., Relatively large scales., Dorsal fin typically has 12-13 rays (rarely 11 or 14)., Anal fin has 7 rays., Lateral line scales usually number 40-43 (range 38-45)., No distinct dark spot at the base of the caudal fin in adults (unlike some other redhorse species)., The posterior margin of the lower lip is usually straight or slightly convex, not deeply incised.

Dorsal fin

Single, high, and somewhat falcate (sickle-shaped) with 12-13 soft rays.

Tail fin

Deeply forked, with pointed lobes. Coloration typically yellowish to orange, sometimes reddish.

Pectoral fin

Relatively large and somewhat pointed, positioned low on the body. Yellowish to orange.

Distinctive fins

All fins, particularly the caudal and paired fins, often exhibit a golden-yellow to orange hue, which intensifies during spawning season.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Mouth and Lips

   Observe the large, fleshy, papillose (bumpy) lips and the subterminal mouth. The posterior margin of the lower lip is typically straight or slightly convex, not deeply incised, which helps distinguish it from some other Moxostoma species.

2. 2

   Coloration

   Look for the distinctive golden-bronze sheen on the sides and the yellowish to orange fins, especially the caudal and paired fins. This golden hue is a key identifier.

3. 3

   Dorsal Fin Rays

   Count the rays in the dorsal fin. Golden Redhorse typically have 12-13 soft rays. This count is crucial for differentiating it from species like the Shorthead Redhorse (M. macrolepidotum) which usually has 12-14 rays, but often fewer than 12 in some populations, and the River Redhorse (M. carinatum) which has 12-13 but a more deeply incised lower lip.

4. 4

   Lateral Line Scales

   Count the scales along the lateral line. Golden Redhorse usually have 40-43 lateral line scales, a useful metric for species differentiation within the genus.

5. 5

   Absence of Caudal Spot

   Note the absence of a distinct dark spot at the base of the caudal fin in adult specimens, which is present in some other redhorse species.

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