Smallmouth Buffalo is a large, deep-bodied freshwater fish identifiable by its thick, laterally compressed body, small, downward-facing (subterminal) mouth, and smooth, scaleless head. Body coloration ranges from olive-brown to dark gray, often lighter on the belly, with large, noticeable scales along the sides. The dorsal fin is long and gently arched, while the tail is deeply forked, aiding sustained swimming in rivers and reservoirs. Adults commonly reach 60–90 cm (24–35 in) in length and can weigh over 13.6 kg (30 lb). Unlike Common Carp, Smallmouth Buffalo lack barbels, a key identification feature, and are often observed schooling in slow-moving rivers, lakes, and backwaters, where they feed by filtering plankton and organic material from the water. Sources: US Geological Survey (https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/factsheet.aspx?SpeciesID=501) and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fish/buffalo/smallmouth.html)