These two fish species seem similar to some people, and it can be hard to tell them apart.
However, buffalo fish and carp are entirely different fish species. In this article, we’ll compare buffalo fish vs carp so you’ll know how to tell them apart like a pro.
The differences between buffalo fish vs carp
When comparing buffalo fish vs carp there are a few distinguishing features that help you recognize each species.
Colorings
The color of buffalo fish can vary significantly, depending on the type. For example, bigmouth buffalo fish are typically a brownish-olive color. While other buffalo types can range significantly from white, grey, and blueish hues to black. As a result, buffalo fish will have a more washed-out appearance, while carp exude a stronger, healthier coloring.
Carp colorations include a more brown to olive that fades to brassy-gold hues. Therefore looking similar to a bigmouth buffalo in color. But a carp’s long whiskers, or barbels, are an instant giveaway that it is not a buffalo fish since these bottom-feeders lack a pair.
Tail and Fins
Another distinction in appearance between the buffalo fish and carp is their tail. The buffalo fish’s tail will range from bronze, gold, brown, or dark blue to black. Alternatively, a carp’s tail will match its body color better, showing orange, red, or light brown hues.
If you know what type of fin the fish has, you can determine if it is a carp or buffalo fish. The buffalo fish will have a wide, sickle-shaped dorsal fin, while a carp contrasts this with a smaller, narrow, rounded one.
Eyes
If the fish’s eyes are sitting at the top of their head and look more like small black marbles, you have a buffalo fish. Alternatively, carp will have eyes that sit in the middle of the head on each side and resemble a regular eye with a black pupil.
Is buffalo fish and carp the same?
Even though the buffalo fish and carp can both be found feeding at the bottom of freshwater lakes, streams, and rivers, they are not the same species. While the buffalo fish is a sucker species, carp is an oily freshwater fish belonging to the Cyprinidae species, the minnow family.
One distinct difference between these two fish is that the buffalo is native to North America, Mexico, and Guatemala. Carp is native to Asia and are an invasive species in other parts of the world, although you can find them in various areas of North America.
There are dozens of types of carp and close relatives in this species. Here are some of the more common varieties found while fishing and their locations:
- Bighead (Asia, US)
- Black (Asia, Russia)
- Catla (South Asia, India)
- Common (Europe, Asia, North America)
- Crucian (Europe, Central Asia)
- F1 (UK, US)
- Ghost (Asia Hybrid)
- Grass (Asia)
- Koi (China, Japan)
- Leather (Europe, US)
- Linear (United Kingdom)
- Mirror (Europe, US)
- Mrigal (South Asia, India)
- Mud (Asia)
- Prussian (Asia, Middle Europe, Siberia, North America)
- Rohu (India, South Asia)
- Silver (China, East Siberia, US)
What kind of fish is buffalo fish?
The buffalo fish is a freshwater Ictiobus or suckerfish. They are common in North America, Mexico, and Guatemala. This species is the largest suckerfish in North America and can live up to 112 years, providing an exceptional catch for any angler.
The buffalo fish has a small, bottom-facing mouth to help scoop up food and other nutrients that settle on the bottom of water bodies. Alternatively, carp have larger mouths that do not face down but instead sport two whiskers to help stir up food and nutrients as they feed.
The bigmouth buffalo fish
Fishing enthusiasts will find five different buffalo fish species, including:
- Smallmouth
- Bigmouth
- Black Buffalo
- Fleshylip
- Usumacinta
However, even though they belong to the same family, the bigmouth buffalo fish has a more forward-facing mouth. This variance may have you wondering, is a bigmouth buffalo a carp? The answer is no, even though this variety remains in the Ictiobus family and is a suckerfish.
Although carp are known for their bottom-feeding habits, that is not the only place they feed, and they will only remain there for 40 to 50% of their time.
The flavor of buffalo fish vs carp
Not every angler will prefer the bottom-feeder buffalo fish for their next catch, but that does not mean it isn’t tasty. Buffalo fish flesh is dense and firm and contains a mild fish flavor, making it ideal for smoking over a fire on your next camping trip.
Carp meat is moist and flaky, as an oily fish, resembles salmon in texture and flavor. However, the flavor is mild and does not contain a high fishy taste that comes with other species like trout.
Preparing buffalo fish and carp is simple to do. You can create a delicious meal by pan-frying, baking, smoking, and even deep-frying these two types of fish. So, try your luck at catching one or both of these fish types on your next fishing trip.
Catching buffalo fish vs carp
Both buffalo fish and carp are aggressive feeders, making reeling them in a challenge. You want to have a sturdy rod, reel, and heavy line. Try some tasty bait such as grasshoppers, canned sweet corn, worms, nightcrawlers, and even small bread balls.
Because these fish species have small mouths, anglers should ensure that they do not overestimate the hook size. You would hate for the fish to take your bait and leave the hook while you go home without a catch. If you would like to learn more about catching these fish check out our other article: How to Catch Carp: A Guide For Beginners.
In summary
So there you have it. While these fish have some similarities they are certainly not the same.
When comparing buffalo fish vs carp just remember the differences in the appearance of their colorings, tail and fins, and eyes. These features will quickly help you identify which species you have managed to catch.
