A native sucker of Colorado River basin streams. Sensitive to flow alterations.

Native status: Native to Upper Colorado basin; state-managed conservation species

§ Quick facts

SizeLength 25–50 cm
Weight200–800 g
LifespanWild 12–18 years
OrderCypriniformes
FamilyCatostomidae

§ Encyclopedia

The bluehead sucker is a species of freshwater cypriniform fish endemic to the intermountain Western US. Formerly placed in the genus Catostomus, it is now placed in the genus Pantosteus.

Source: Wikipedia — Pantosteus discobolus Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Long slim sucker with bright blue head in breeding males; brown back, white belly; underslung mouth with hard cartilaginous scraper.

Similar species. Flannelmouth Sucker (related). White Sucker (different range). Mountain Sucker (smaller, different range).

Voice. Silent.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Algae scraped from rocks (specialized cartilaginous scraping edge on lower jaw).

Behavior. One of three "Three Species" of the Upper Colorado River basin — endemic native suckers (Bluehead, Flannelmouth, Roundtail Chub) considered jointly for conservation. Populations have declined dramatically due to dam construction, water diversions, and competition from invasive species. Multi-state conservation agreement covers all three species across UT, CO, WY, NM.

§ Range

Colorado River basin

§ Habitat

Colorado River system streams

§ Threats

Water diversions, climate change, invasive species.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the bluehead sucker is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support Colorado River restoration.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • USFWS Mountain-Prairie Region
  • Colorado Parks and Wildlife
  • Bureau of Land Management
  • IUCN Red List 2013