Latin name

Campostoma anomalum

Other names

Stoneroller, minnow, hornyhead, knottyhead.

Identification

The Central Stoneroller has a thick and poorly compressed torpedo-shaped body of dull gray color with a coppery tinge and a pale golden band along the upper flanks. It has an unusual appearance due to a subterminal mouth and a hard cartilaginous ridge on the lower jaw. The formation of the mouth and lower ridge allows the stoneroller to scrape algae and other tiny organisms from rocks. The back and sides of large specimens have dark brown or black spots, the caudal fin is moderately forked, and the lateral line is nearly straight. The breeding male has large tubercles on the top of the head and upper scales almost to the base of the tail, and small tubercles on the pectoral rays and first dorsal ray. It also has an orange coloration and orange-black anal and dorsal fins.

Distribution

The Septgal stoneroller is widespread in the eastern and central United States and southern Canada in the Atlantic, Great Lakes, Hudson Bay, and Mississippi River basins, from New York to North Dakota and south to Georgia, Texas, and northern Mexico. It is least common in the Great Plains.

Habitat

Central stonerollers prefer clean streams, channels and reservoirs with flow in creeks, small and medium rivers.

Size

This species grows to 81⁄2 inches, but is usually 4 to 6 inches long.

Life history and Behavior

Central Stoneroller males usually nest in holes, carrying pebbles in their mouths or disturbing gravel upstream to float pebbles downstream. Nests are common and are built in gravel areas upstream. They are relatively shallow and are built in quiet areas, places with moderate flow, or where there is overhanging cover. Spawning occurs in the spring, with males defending their territory and aggressively attacking other males.

Food and feeding habits

No information

Reproduction

No information