SPECIES ID / Freshwater Fish of the Fraser Valley

Sucker Family (Catostomidae)

  • Family originated in North America where they are a widespread and diverse group
  • 5 species in British Columbia, 3 in the Fraser Valley
  • 2 species in northern Asia believed to have dispersed across Bering Sea land bridge during periods of low sea level.
  • Do not tolerate salinity
  • Most eat invertebrates but a few, including Mountain Sucker, scrape algae from rocks

Identification Tips:

  • No spines or adipose fin
  • Mouth on underside of head with fleshy lips

 

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Primary Information Source:
McPhail, J.D. 2007. The Freshwater Fishes of British Columbia. University of Alberta Press. Edmonton, Alberta.