Fin's Fish Guide
The Spotted sucker (Minytrema melanops) is a freshwater fish of the family Catostomidae that grows up to 50 cm.
Description
The spotted sucker is a sucker (Catostomidae) from the eastern and southern United States. The species has an elongate, silvery body with regular rows of dark spots and an inferior, fleshy sucking mouth. It inhabits long, deep pools of small to medium rivers over clay, sand or gravel bottoms and also lakes. Sucking the bottom, it feeds on insect larvae, small invertebrates and detritus. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Spotted sucker?
The Spotted sucker has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Regular rows of dark spots and an inferior sucker mouth; bottom-sucking sucker.
Where does the Spotted sucker live?
The Spotted sucker lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern and southern North America; deep pools of rivers and lakes.
How big does the Spotted sucker get?
The Spotted sucker grows to a maximum of about 50 cm. On average the species is around 32 cm.
Is the Spotted sucker dangerous to humans?
No, the Spotted sucker is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Spotted sucker edible?
The Spotted sucker is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Catostomidae
Want the complete picture on the Spotted sucker?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Spotted sucker is one of 12,519 species in the app.