Fin's Fish Guide
The White sucker (Catostomus commersonii) is a freshwater fish of the family Catostomidae that grows up to 65 cm.
Fresh water of the north and east of North America, in a wide variety of rivers, streams and lakes.
Description
The white sucker is a cyprinid-like sucker of the family Catostomidae (suckers) reaching about 65 cm. The elongate, brownish to silvery body has an inferior mouth with thick, strongly folded lips forming a sucking mouth, with which the fish vacuums insect larvae, crustaceans, worms, algae and detritus off the bottom. The species is native to the fresh water of northern and eastern North America and lives in a wide variety of rivers, streams and lakes. In spring it migrates upstream in schools to spawn on gravel in shallow, flowing riffles. Through its broad tolerance it is very common; it is an important prey for predatory fish and locally a valued bait and angling fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the White sucker?
The White sucker has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Cyprinid sucker with an inferior, thick, folded sucking mouth with which it sucks food off the bottom.
Where does the White sucker live?
The White sucker lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Fresh water of the north and east of North America, in a wide variety of rivers, streams and lakes.
How big does the White sucker get?
The White sucker grows to a maximum of about 65 cm. On average the species is around 41 cm.
Is the White sucker dangerous to humans?
No, the White sucker is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the White sucker edible?
Yes, the White sucker is commonly eaten.
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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 White sucker?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the White sucker is one of 12,519 species in the app.