Fin's Fish Guide
The Santa Ana Sucker (Catostomus santaanae) is a freshwater fish of the family Catostomidae that grows up to 25 cm.
Description
The Santa Ana sucker is a sucker endemic to southern California, in the Los Angeles, San Gabriel and Santa Ana river drainages. The species grows to about 25 cm and has a streamlined body with an inferior, fleshy sucking mouth with which it scrapes algae and small invertebrates from stones. Adults live in clear, cool rocky pools and runs of creeks and small rivers. Through habitat loss, drought and introduced species it is listed as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Santa Ana Sucker?
The Santa Ana Sucker has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Inferior sucker mouth for scraping algae off stones; endangered endemic
Where does the Santa Ana Sucker live?
The Santa Ana Sucker lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Southern California
How big does the Santa Ana Sucker get?
The Santa Ana Sucker grows to a maximum of about 25 cm. On average the species is around 12 cm.
Is the Santa Ana Sucker dangerous to humans?
No, the Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana Sucker edible?
The Santa Ana Sucker is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Catostomus
More from the family Catostomidae
Want the complete picture on the Santa Ana Sucker?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Santa Ana Sucker is one of 12,519 species in the app.