Catostomidae

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iSuckers
quillback, Carpiodes cyprinus
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Cypriniformes
Suborder: Cobitoidea
Family: Catostomidae
Genera

Carpiodes
Catostomus
Chasmistes
Cycleptus
Deltistes
Erimyzon
Hypentelium
Ictiobus
Minytrema
Moxostoma
Myxocyprinus
Thoburnia
Xyrauchen
See text for species.

Catostomidae is the sucker fish family of the Cypriniformes order.

There are 80 species in this family of freshwater fishes. Catostomidae are found in North America, east central China, and eastern Siberia. Their mouth is located on the underside of the head, with thick, fleshy lips which enable the fish to attach to rocks in quicker flowing waters. Most species are less than two feet (60 cm) in length, with the largest species reaching 40 inches (1 m) in size. They are not usually fished recreationally, providing little sport for the fisherman and not highly prized in North America for their flesh.

Catostomidae are most often found in rivers, but can be found in any freshwater environment. Their food ranges from detritus and bottom dwelling organisms (such as crustaceans and worms), to surface insects and small fishes for the larger suckers.

In northern Minnesota they are often speared and netted, during the spring run. They are then smoked.

[edit] Species

Smallfin redhorse, Moxostoma robustum
Enlarge
Smallfin redhorse, Moxostoma robustum

[edit] References

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