Hardhead | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Actinopterygii |
Order: | Cypriniformes |
Family: | Cyprinidae |
Genus: |
Mylopharodon Ayres, 1855 |
Species: | M. conocephalus |
Binomial name | |
Mylopharodon conocephalus (S. F. Baird & Girard, 1854) |
The hardhead, Mylopharodon conocephalus, is a cyprinid fish native to California, it is the sole member of its genus. Hardhead are found in both small to large streams in low to mid-elevations. Hardhead may also inhabit reservoirs and lakes. Hardhead are omnivores at all ages although the juvenile and adult fish have a different diet and tooth structures. These fish will eat aquatic plants, benthic invertebrates, algae and insects. As adults, hardheads may live up to 9 or 10 years.