spotted sucker

spotted sucker (Minytrema melanops) Photo © Uland Thomas

The spotted sucker is a slender fish with a short dorsal fin. The lateral line is absent or very short. Parallel rows of dark spots along the side are easily seen. The rear edge of the lower lips forms a "V" shape. The back is green-brown, the sides silver or yellow-brown and the belly silver-white. The dorsal and tail fins are green or gray while the lower fins are white. A breeding male has two dark stripes on the side with a pink band between them and large tubercles (bumps) on the snout and anal fin. The spotted sucker averages nine to 16 inches in length and one-half to two pounds in weight. Its maximum life span is about five years.

The spotted sucker lives in clear, warm waters with little current, much vegetation and a soft bottom. This fish matures at an age of three years. It spawns April through May. The male defends a small territory from other spotted suckers. Eggs hatch in seven to 12 days. This fish feeds at dawn and dusk on zooplankton, insects and organic debris.

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Catostomidae