Fin's Fish Guide
The Jordan's sucker (Catostomus platyrhynchus) is a freshwater fish of the family Catostomidae that grows up to 25 cm.
Description
The mountain sucker is a sucker from fresh water of western North America. The species grows to about 25 cm and has an elongate, dark body and an inferior, fleshy sucking mouth with which it scrapes algae and aufwuchs from stones. As a bottom-dweller it lives in cool, clear mountain streams and rivers with flowing water. It is sensitive to turbidity and is sometimes used as an indicator of water quality. The fish is harmless to humans. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Jordan's sucker?
The Jordan's sucker has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Inferior sucker mouth for scraping algae off stones; mountain stream dweller
Where does the Jordan's sucker live?
The Jordan's sucker lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western North America
How big does the Jordan's sucker get?
The Jordan's sucker grows to a maximum of about 25 cm. On average the species is around 11 cm.
Is the Jordan's sucker dangerous to humans?
No, the Jordan's 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 Jordan's sucker edible?
The Jordan's sucker is not usually 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 Jordan's sucker is one of 12,519 species in the app.