| Family: |
Catostomidae (Suckers), subfamily: Catostominae |
| Max. size: |
65 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 2,940.0 g; max. reported age: 12 years |
| Environment: |
demersal; freshwater; brackish, potamodromous |
| Distribution: |
North America: throughout most of Canada to the Atlantic Coast, south through North Carolina to New Mexico in the USA, becoming less common in the southern High Plains. |
| Diagnosis: |
|
| Biology: |
Adults inhabit a wide range of habitats, from rocky pools and riffles of headwaters to large lakes. They usually occur in small, clear, cool creeks and small to medium rivers. May be found at a depth greater than 45 m (Ref. 1998). They move to shallower water near sunrise and sunset to feed. Fry (1.2 cm in length) feed on plankton and other small invertebrates; bottom feeding commences upon reaching a length of 1.6-1.8 cm. Preyed upon by birds, fishes, lamprey, and mammals (Ref. 1998). Flesh is white, flaky, and sweet (Ref. 1998). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 26 October 2011 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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