Fin's Fish Guide
The Flannelmouth sucker (Catostomus latipinnis) is a freshwater fish of the family Catostomidae that grows up to 56 cm.
Description
The flannelmouth sucker is a sucker (Catostomidae) from southwestern North America, especially the Colorado basin. The species grows to about 55 cm and has an elongate body with a downward-pointing, thick, fleshy sucker mouth with folded lips. Adults inhabit rocky pools, runs and riffles of medium to large rivers, less often creeks. With its sucker mouth it sifts algae, detritus and small invertebrates from the bottom. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Flannelmouth sucker?
The Flannelmouth sucker has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Thick, folded sucker lips; dweller of rocky pools in the Colorado river basin.
Where does the Flannelmouth sucker live?
The Flannelmouth sucker lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Southwestern North America; rocky pools and riffles of rivers.
How big does the Flannelmouth sucker get?
The Flannelmouth sucker grows to a maximum of about 56 cm. On average the species is around 35 cm.
Is the Flannelmouth sucker dangerous to humans?
No, the Flannelmouth sucker is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Flannelmouth sucker edible?
The Flannelmouth sucker is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Catostomus
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 Flannelmouth sucker is one of 12,519 species in the app.