Buffalo Fish

[FishnDave]

This is the most recent article, but not the first I've seen, regarding sampling and aging populations of native Buffalo species.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/century-old-buffalofish-are-still-living-in-their-prime/ar-AA1jHTMX?ocid=hpmsn&cvid=130cf8b4a3db4cfc809c34b5f0ff0aab&ei=33

"The smallmouth buffalofish the researchers found in the lake ranged from 11 to 101 years old; the black buffalofish were 106 to 108 years old; and the bigmouth buffalofish were 85 to 105 years old. What makes the fishes’ longevity even more remarkable is that they aren’t native to Arizona waters, Lackmann says—the three species were introduced to the state in 1918, likely from Iowa."

This suggests Black Buffalo have not successfully reproduced (at this particular lake) ever, Bigmouth Buffalo have not successfully reproduced in 85 years, and Smallmouth Buffalo have not successfully reproduced in 11 years.

They weren't native at this lake, so its not terribly surprising they are struggling to propogate, I suppose.  Other studies within their native ranges have shown similarly old individuals within their populations.... at least in excess of 85 years, as I recall... and few young specimens.

I've seen them spawn.  Its not that they don't lay many eggs.... Their were tiny orange eggs scattered everywhere!  And other fish following them around eating the eggs.

[Ham]

We should be embarrassed that people are allowed to wantonly kill native species with no intent to use the animals they are killing. It is not ethical nor sustainable. It doesn’t say a lot about us as sportsmen and conservationist and it is certainly non a good look for Wildlife and Fisheries Agencies. 

[Quillback]

Interesting fish.  The guys that fish that specialized carp gear like to catch them.

[Ham]

2 hours ago, Quillback said:

Interesting fish.  The guys that fish that specialized carp gear like to catch them.

I like to catch them. 

[Quillback]

9 hours ago, Ham said:

I like to catch them. 

Never have caught one.  

[snagged in outlet 3]

I’ve caught both big and little mouth.  Big ones too.  On flies as bycatch. 

[tjm]

  A species that hasn't reproduced in 80+ years must be considered to extinct, even if not all specimens have died yet. With no protections, unregulated killing, zero recruitment and the average angler's inability to identify them as not being 'carp'; the only reason we still see this species is because they live so long.

It seems to me that sport fishing and conservation are at opposite ends of the spectrum. One can't truly be both. 

[BilletHead]

14 minutes ago, tjm said:

  A species that hasn't reproduced in 80+ years must be considered to extinct, even if not all specimens have died yet. With no protections, unregulated killing, zero recruitment and the average angler's inability to identify them as not being 'carp'; the only reason we still see this species is because they live so long.

It seems to me that sport fishing and conservation are at opposite ends of the spectrum. One can't truly be both. 

              Buffalo are doing well here in Missouri and spawn with success. Yes, pretty well a target for bow fishermen. I ate the ones I shot. They are tasty if you get between the bones. I don't care about the carp, introduced invasives. Natives should be watched close and intervened on if needed.

[Ham]

6 hours ago, tjm said:

  A species that hasn't reproduced in 80+ years must be considered to extinct, even if not all specimens have died yet. 

6 hours ago, tjm said:

 

I think they have not reproduced in that closed system in 80 years. I think there is reproduction in areas where they are native.

 

[Ham]

6 hours ago, tjm said:

It seems to me that sport fishing and conservation are at opposite ends of the spectrum. One can't truly be both. 

Nonsense.