Fin's Fish Guide
The Roanoke hog sucker (Hypentelium roanokense) is a freshwater fish of the family Catostomidae that grows up to 16 cm.
Description
The Roanoke hog sucker (Hypentelium roanokense) is a small North American sucker of the family Catostomidae, endemic to the Roanoke drainage. The species has an elongate, brownish body with dark saddle marks, a broad, somewhat angular head and a ventral, fleshy sucker mouth, and reaches about 16 cm. It inhabits rocky riffles, runs and pools of creeks and small rivers, often over sand in slow current. With its sucker mouth it searches the bottom for insect larvae and small invertebrates. Owing to its sensitivity to water pollution and limited range the species is an indicator of clean, flowing water.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Roanoke hog sucker?
The Roanoke hog sucker has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Dark saddle blotches and an inferior sucker mouth; endemic to the Roanoke basin, an indicator of clean water.
Where does the Roanoke hog sucker live?
The Roanoke hog sucker lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. The Roanoke river basin in eastern North America.
How big does the Roanoke hog sucker get?
The Roanoke hog sucker grows to a maximum of about 16 cm. On average the species is around 10 cm.
Is the Roanoke hog sucker dangerous to humans?
No, the Roanoke hog 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 Roanoke hog sucker edible?
The Roanoke hog sucker is not usually eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Roanoke hog sucker?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Roanoke hog sucker is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Hypentelium
More from the family Catostomidae
Want the complete picture on the Roanoke hog sucker?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Roanoke hog sucker is one of 12,519 species in the app.