White sucker (Catostomus commersonii) fish species and information / pictures of White sucker - Catostomus commersonii

White sucker (Catostomus commersonii) fish species information

Scientific Name
Catostomus commersonii

Common Name
White sucker

Biology
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).

Classification

Classified By

Lacep?de, 1803

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Carps (Cypriniformes)

Family

Suckers (Catostomidae)

Distribution

Region

North America

Distribution

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.

Range

68°N - 34°N

Environment

Climate

Temperate

Water Temperature From

Unknown °C

Water Temperature To

29 °C

Depth From - meters

Unknown m

Depth To - meters

Unknown m

Zone

demersal

Environment

Freshwater; demersal; catadromous (Ref. 51243), usually ? - 30 m (Ref. 1998)

Trophic Level

2.79 s.e. 0.36 Based on diet studies.

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

False

Occurs in Brackish water

False

Occurs in Fresh Water

True

Occurs on Reefs

False

Is kept in Aquariums

False

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

65.0 cm

Common Length

40.7 cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 0.5000 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Fisheries: minor commercial; aquaculture: commercial; gamefish: yes; bait: occasionally

Vulnerability

High vulnerability (57 of 100)

Resilience

Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (tm=6; tmax=12)

Threat To Humans

Harmless

IUCN Red List Status

Not Evaluated