| Catostomidae (Suckers), subfamily: Catostominae |
| 65 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 2,940.0 g; max. reported age: 12 years |
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demersal; freshwater; brackish |
| 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. |
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| Inhabits a wide range of habitats, from rocky pools and riffles of headwaters to large lakes. Usually occurs in small, clear, cool creeks and small to medium rivers. May be found at a depth greater than 45 m (Ref. 1998). Moves 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). |
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Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 26 October 2011 Ref. (130435)
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| harmless |
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Information obtained in late 1980s (A. Scott, pers. comm) indicated species reproduces in outdoor fish farm with little assistance. The first specimen of this species was captured on 1992 in River Gade. Origin of the specimen is unknown, but it probably was an escapee from a fish farm situated upstream on the river (Ref. 13736). Captures in River Gade in 2004 suggest continued reproduction in captivity (this is said to take place in ponds with little human assistance), with release or escape to the river. Introduced to a localized area in southeast England. Accidentally imported with goldfish. Has not established in aquaculture (43342). (Gordon Copp, pers. comm., Oct.18, 2006). |
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