Max length : 112 cm TL male/unsexed; (Ref. 40637); common length : 58.5 cm TL male/unsexed; (Ref. 12193); max. published weight: 37.3 kg (Ref. 40637); max. reported age: 15 years (Ref. 12193)
North America: Lake Michigan drainage and Mississippi River basin from Pennsylvania and Michigan to Montana, USA and south to the Gulf of Mexico; Gulf Slope drainages from Mobile Bay in Alabama to Rio Grande in Texas and New Mexico, USA. Also in Mexico. Countries | FAO areas | Ecosystems | Occurrences | Introductions
Inhabits pools, backwaters and main channels of small to large rivers. Also occurs in lakes and impoundments. Feeds on shellfish and algae, by grinding with the bony plates in its throat (Ref. 9988). Appears to be a good candidate for aquaculture. Marketed fresh and eaten pan-fried, broiled and baked (Ref. 9988).
