Black Buffalo - Ecology

Ecology

The ecology of I. niger is most closely related to I. cyprinellus. Due to the ventrally positioned mouth, the diet is benthic-oriented, with the Asiatic clam being the principal food. Detritus and sand are also ingested and contribute ~40% of the dietary volume. It is most commonly found in quiet, shallow waters. The U.S. angling record is 55.5 lb and was caught in Tennessee in 1984. The maximum size is uncertain but is estimated to be about 20-30 lbs. There was a species caught in Shelby County, TN on April 1, 1980 that was accepted as a valid 80 lb specimen. I. niger relies on benthic organisms more heavily than I. bubalus. I. niger feeds mostly from the bottom.