Fin's Fish Guide
The Alabama hog sucker (Hypentelium etowanum) is a freshwater fish of the family Catostomidae that grows up to 23 cm.
Description
The Alabama hog sucker is a sucker from fresh water of the southeastern United States, mainly in the Mobile River basin. The species grows to about 23 cm and has an elongate body with a broad, angular head and a fleshy, inferior sucking mouth. As a bottom-dweller it scrapes algae, invertebrates and detritus from the bottom of clear, rocky streams; it often shifts stones in search of food. The fish is harmless to humans. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Alabama hog sucker?
The Alabama hog sucker has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Broad angular head and a sucker mouth; moves stones to search for food
Where does the Alabama hog sucker live?
The Alabama hog sucker lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Southeastern United States
How big does the Alabama hog sucker get?
The Alabama hog sucker grows to a maximum of about 23 cm.
Is the Alabama hog sucker dangerous to humans?
No, the Alabama hog sucker is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Alabama hog sucker edible?
The Alabama hog sucker is not usually eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Alabama hog sucker?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Alabama hog sucker is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Hypentelium
More from the family Catostomidae
Want the complete picture on the Alabama hog sucker?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Alabama hog sucker is one of 12,519 species in the app.