Silver Redhorse - Ecology

Ecology

A vital part of any species existence is its diet. And not only what does it eat, but what affects its eating habits as well. For the Silver Redhorse (Moxostoma anisurum) these principles are no different. The species feeds on small vegetation and insects that are present in its immediate habitat. But what most do not understand is what can affect the way these species forage. The high-velocity water flow patterns in some water ways can actually damage the forage for this specific species. But not all effects of high-velocity water flow are seen as damaging. A study concluded that the high-velocity water flow actually helped reproduction and larvae mortality by having a 90% success rate. Temperature can also hold a very significant role in reproduction and success for the species in every environment, proving that every stage of reproduction is different depending on where the species is located at what times of the year. Nest succession plays as the deciding factor on how well this species thrives in high-velocity water systems.