Is Buffalo Fishes kosher?

Buffalo Fishes is kosher according to Jewish dietary law.

What is the scientific name of Buffalo Fishes?

The scientific name of Buffalo Fishes is Ictiobus species.

Does Buffalo Fishes have fins and scales?

Yes. Buffalo Fishes has both fins and removable scales, which is the requirement set in Leviticus 11:9-12 and Deuteronomy 14:9-10 for a fish to be considered kosher.

Can I eat Buffalo Fishes sushi or sashimi?

If Buffalo Fishes is prepared in a kosher kitchen with kosher utensils and ingredients, Buffalo Fishes sushi or sashimi can be kosher. Always verify the kosher certification of the restaurant or preparation source.

Where can I find more information about whether Buffalo Fishes is kosher?

KosherFish.co references the Orthodox Union (OU) and Chabad lists of kosher and non-kosher fish. For specific halachic questions, consult your local Orthodox rabbi.

Buffalo Fishes

Ictiobus species

Kosher

Has fins and scales

Fins Yes

Scales Yes

Description

Buffalo fishes are large freshwater members of the sucker family native to North America, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Guatemala. They live in ponds, creeks, rivers, and lakes.

Also known as

Buffalo Fish
Bigmouth Buffalo
Smallmouth Buffalo
Black Buffalo
Buffalofish

Kosher Buffalo Fishes in foreign languages

Scientific	Ictiobus species
German	kaprovec
Russian	Иктиобусы
Chinese	牛胭脂鱼属
Vietnamese	Cá trâu

Gallery

Buffalo Fishes — Whole on ice — Whole on ice · Marjory Collins / Public domain

Warnings & Kosher Issues

Kosher: buffalo fishes are sucker-family fish with fins and scales, so they are kosher.
They are not carp and not catfish, despite the resemblance. They belong to the separate sucker family.