They are the largest and longest-lived of the North American suckers, reaching up to 1.23 m (4.0 ft) in length[2][3] and more than 100 years of age for three of the five species.

Buffalofish live in most types of freshwater bodies where panfish are found, such as ponds, creeks, rivers, and lakes.

From an angler's point of view, buffalofish were historically not popular game fish because they were considered difficult to catch by hook and line (even though they put up a great fight), but recently developed rod-and-line fishing techniques catch buffalofish with consistency.

[4] In the 21st Century unregulated sport killing by bow and arrow has emerged and has quickly made them easy targets of night bowfishing.

[7][8][9][10] They are now de facto game fish across much of their range, are in decline,[6][11][12][5] and protective measures are needed.