Fin's Fish Guide
The River carpsucker (Carpiodes carpio) is a freshwater fish of the family Catostomidae that grows up to 64 cm.
Description
The river carpsucker is a sucker (Catostomidae) from North America. The species has a deep, laterally compressed, silvery body with a long dorsal fin and an inferior, thick-lipped mouth. It inhabits lakes, pools and the quiet parts and backwaters of creeks and rivers, often over a soft bottom. With its sucking mouth it forages organic detritus, algae and small invertebrates from the bottom. It is a common and abundant freshwater fish. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the River carpsucker?
The River carpsucker has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Deep silver body with a long dorsal fin and thick sucking lips; bottom forager from North America.
Where does the River carpsucker live?
The River carpsucker lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America; lakes, pools and backwaters of rivers.
How big does the River carpsucker get?
The River carpsucker grows to a maximum of about 64 cm. On average the species is around 34 cm.
Is the River carpsucker dangerous to humans?
No, the River carpsucker is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the River carpsucker edible?
The River carpsucker is rarely eaten.
More photos
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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 River carpsucker?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the River carpsucker is one of 12,519 species in the app.