Fin's Fish Guide
The Quillback (Carpiodes cyprinus) is a freshwater fish of the family Catostomidae that grows up to 66 cm.
Fresh water of central and eastern North America, in lakes and slow-flowing rivers with soft bottoms.
Description
The quillback is a deep, silvery sucker of the family Catostomidae (suckers) reaching about 66 cm. The laterally compressed body has large, shiny scales, an inferior sucker-mouth with thick lips and, characteristically, a greatly elongated front dorsal-fin ray that rises like a quill above the dorsal fin. The species is native to the fresh water of central and eastern North America and lives in schools in lakes and slow-flowing rivers with soft bottoms. With its sucker-mouth it searches the bottom for insect larvae, small molluscs, crustaceans and detritus. In spring it migrates upstream to spawn. It is landed mainly commercially and as bycatch.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Quillback?
The Quillback has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Deep-bodied, silvery sucker with large scales, an inferior sucker mouth and a strongly elongated, pennant-shaped front dorsal fin ray.
Where does the Quillback live?
The Quillback lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Fresh water of central and eastern North America, in lakes and slow-flowing rivers with soft bottoms.
How big does the Quillback get?
The Quillback grows to a maximum of about 66 cm. On average the species is around 52 cm.
Is the Quillback dangerous to humans?
No, the Quillback is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Quillback edible?
Yes, the Quillback is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Carpiodes
More from the family Catostomidae
Want the complete picture on the Quillback?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Quillback is one of 12,519 species in the app.