| Hardhead | |
|---|---|
| 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.