Fin's Fish Guide
The Northern hog sucker (Hypentelium nigricans) is a freshwater fish of the family Catostomidae that grows up to 61 cm.
Fresh water of the east and centre of North America, in clear, fast-flowing rivers and streams with stony bottoms (riffles).
Description
The northern hog sucker is a cyprinid-like sucker of the family Catostomidae (suckers) reaching about 61 cm. The elongate, brown-mottled body has a strikingly large, broad and angular head with dark saddle bands, and a thick, strongly folded sucking mouth on the underside. The species is native to the fresh water of eastern and central North America and lives in clear, fast-flowing rivers with stony bottoms. With its sucking mouth it lifts stones and vacuums insect larvae, crustaceans, worms, algae and detritus off the bottom; other fish often follow it to grab the stirred-up food. In spring it migrates upstream to spawn on gravel.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Northern hog sucker?
The Northern hog sucker has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Cyprinid sucker with a large, broad head, dark saddle bands and a thick, folded sucking mouth on the underside.
Where does the Northern hog sucker live?
The Northern hog sucker lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Fresh water of the east and centre of North America, in clear, fast-flowing rivers and streams with stony bottoms (riffles).
How big does the Northern hog sucker get?
The Northern hog sucker grows to a maximum of about 61 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.
Is the Northern hog sucker dangerous to humans?
No, the Northern hog sucker is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Northern hog sucker edible?
The Northern hog sucker is rarely eaten.
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Status & sources
Same genus Hypentelium
More from the family Catostomidae
Want the complete picture on the Northern hog sucker?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Northern hog sucker is one of 12,519 species in the app.