Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at an 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

Suckers (Catostomidae)

Sucker silhouette.

Suckers are closely related to minnows; however, their anal fin is situated much farther back relative to the dorsal fin. They have ventral (downturned) mouths with large protruding lips, an adaptation for bottom feeding. They also have a single dorsal fin with 10 or more rays. All fins are spineless; scales are absent from cheeks and opercles; the pelvic fins are abdominal; and the tail is forked.

Three species of suckers have been reported in Connecticut. Two are native, with the other uncertain in origin. Suckers typically migrate up streams in the early spring to spawn. During spawning, the males develop “nuptial tubercles” (raised, horny bumps) on their heads.

Click on the species' names below to learn more.

White Sucker (Catostomus commersonii) - Native

48 cm white sucker.

 

Longnose Sucker (Catostomus catostomus) - Native?

Adult longnose sucker.

 

Creek Chubsucker (Erimyzon oblongus) - Native

24 cm creek chubsucker in a tank.

 

Suckers can be kept in a home aquarium, but are not as tolerant of warmwater conditions or poor water quality as many of the typical pond species (such as sunfish and catfish). They may accept pellets or flake food, but require live or fresh food to thrive.

 

Text and images adapted from Jacobs, R. P., O'Donnell, E. B., and Connecticut DEEP. (2009). A Pictorial Guide to Freshwater Fishes of Connecticut. Hartford, CT. Available for purchase at the DEEP Store.