Fin's Fish Guide
The Blue Sucker (Cycleptus elongatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Catostomidae that grows up to 93 cm.
Description
The blue sucker is a large sucker from North America, occurring in the Mississippi basin and Gulf coast rivers of the United States and Mexico. It grows to about 93 cm and can live some thirteen years. It has an elongate, blue-grey body with a long dorsal fin and an inferior sucker mouth with which it scrapes invertebrates and algae from the bottom. Adults occupy strong currents in deep chutes and main channels of large rivers over bedrock, sand and gravel. The fish migrates upstream to spawn and is a valued species. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blue Sucker?
The Blue Sucker has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly blue and shows a plain pattern. Inferior sucker mouth; long dorsal fin; migrates upstream to spawn
Where does the Blue Sucker live?
The Blue Sucker lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. North America
How big does the Blue Sucker get?
The Blue Sucker grows to a maximum of about 93 cm. On average the species is around 67 cm.
Is the Blue Sucker dangerous to humans?
No, the Blue 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 Blue Sucker edible?
The Blue Sucker is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Catostomidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blue Sucker is one of 12,519 species in the app.