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Cui-ui (Chasmistes cujus) — Catostomidae

Cui-ui

Chasmistes cujus
Family: Catostomidae
CR · Critically Endangered

The Cui-ui (Chasmistes cujus) is a freshwater fish of the family Catostomidae that grows up to 67 cm.

Length
67 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: USA
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The cui-ui is a large sucker (Catostomidae) endemic to Pyramid Lake in Nevada, in the western United States. The species grows to about 67 cm and has a stocky, dark-grey body with a terminal, fleshy mouth, unlike the inferior mouth of most suckers. It lives in the deep lake and filters zooplankton; to spawn it ascends the mouth of the Truckee River. The species is long-lived and critically endangered. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Cui-ui?

The Cui-ui has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Cui-ui live?

The Cui-ui lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America: USA

How big does the Cui-ui get?

The Cui-ui grows to a maximum of about 67 cm.

Is the Cui-ui dangerous to humans?

No, the Cui-ui 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 Cui-ui edible?

Yes, the Cui-ui is commonly eaten.

More photos

Cui-ui (Chasmistes cujus) — Catostomidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) dgnv, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Cui-ui (Chasmistes cujus) — Catostomidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) May Flores, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Cui-ui sourced
Scientific name
Chasmistes cujus
Family
Catostomidae
Other names
Cui-ui verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
67.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
North America: USA sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
41.0 verified
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
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. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Chasmistes

More from the family Catostomidae

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