Fin's Fish Guide
The Longnose sucker (Catostomus catostomus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Catostomidae that grows up to 64 cm.
North America from Canada and Alaska to the Great Lakes and the Missouri basin, plus the Arctic basin of Siberia; clear, cold and deep freshwater.
Description
The longnose sucker (Catostomus catostomus) is a freshwater sucker of North America and north-eastern Siberia, ranging from Canada and Alaska to the Great Lakes and farther south. It lives in clear, cold, deep water of lakes and tributary streams and grows to 64 centimetres. The torpedo-shaped body is reddish brown to dark brassy green above with a white belly; in the breeding season males develop a bright red stripe along the flank. The inferior, thick, papillose sucking mouth reflects a bottom diet of invertebrates. The species can live for about 20 years.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Longnose sucker?
The Longnose sucker has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Inferior, thick and papillose sucker mouth; spawning males develop a bright red flank stripe and breeding tubercles.
Where does the Longnose sucker live?
The Longnose sucker lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America from Canada and Alaska to the Great Lakes and the Missouri basin, plus the Arctic basin of Siberia; clear, cold and deep freshwater.
How big does the Longnose sucker get?
The Longnose sucker grows to a maximum of about 64 cm. On average the species is around 23 cm.
Is the Longnose sucker dangerous to humans?
No, the Longnose sucker is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Longnose sucker edible?
The Longnose sucker is rarely eaten.
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Status & sources
Same genus Catostomus
More from the family Catostomidae
Want the complete picture on the Longnose sucker?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Longnose sucker is one of 12,519 species in the app.