A medium-sized native sucker. Bottom-feeding generalist. Among the most adaptable native fish — found across diverse water bodies.

Also called: White Sucker, Common Sucker, Eastern Sucker

Native status: Native; widespread

§ Quick facts

SizeLength 30–55 cm; record 64 cm
Weight500 g–2 kg; record 3.3 kg
LifespanWild 12–17 years
OrderCypriniformes
FamilyCatostomidae

§ Encyclopedia

The white sucker is a species of freshwater cypriniform fish inhabiting the upper Midwest and Northeast in North America, though it is also found as far south as Georgia and as far west as New Mexico. The fish is commonly known as a "sucker" due to its fleshy, papillose lips that suck up organic matter and aufwuchs from the bottom of rivers and streams.

Source: Wikipedia — White sucker Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Slender bronze-olive sucker with underslung mouth; smooth scales; long dorsal fin; pale belly.

Similar species. Longnose Sucker (longer snout). Black Sucker (dark; different range). Mountain Sucker (smaller; western range).

Voice. Silent.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Aquatic insects, snails, algae, organic detritus.

Behavior. Most widely-distributed native US sucker; found from Atlantic to Mississippi to Hudson Bay. Hybridizes naturally with other sucker species — maintains genetic diversity across the sucker family. Spring spawning runs into rocky tributary streams can include hundreds of fish gathered in a single riffle. Important food source for many predators including eagles, otters, and pike.

§ Range

Across most of North America

§ Habitat

Lakes, streams, ponds

§ Threats

Habitat loss, invasive species, "trash fish" persecution.

§ Conservation status

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

§ What helps

Don't kill suckers. Maintain natural water systems.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • American Fisheries Society
  • State wildlife agencies
  • IUCN Red List 2013