Carp & Sucker
Longnose Sucker
Catostomus catostomus
FreshwaterCatostomidaeLeast Concern
About
The Longnose Sucker is a bottom-dwelling fish characterized by its cylindrical body and a fleshy, papillose lower lip that it uses to suck up food. They are often found in clear, cold streams, rivers, and lakes, preferring habitats with gravel or rocky substrates.
- Average size
- 12-25 inches, 1-6 lbs
- Colors
- Olive-brown to dark brown or black dorsally, with lighter sides and a white or silvery belly. During spawning season, males may develop a reddish or orange lateral stripe.
- Diet
- Primarily benthic invertebrates, algae, and detritus. They use their specialized mouth to suck up food from the bottom of the water body.
- Region
- Widespread across North America, including Alaska, Canada, and the northern United States, extending south into the Great Lakes region and some western states.