white sucker

White Sucker (Catostomus commersoni)

White suckers are usually about 10-20 inches long and weigh 1-2 pounds, some unusual specimens weighing as much as 8 pounds. Their color is olive brown, and they have a cylindrical shape.

The white sucker is widely distributed in all drainage systems in New York State. Although the white sucker is found in a wide variety of water conditions, these fish typically inhabit lakes and reservoirs that have tributary streams.

White suckers feed on a variety of invertebrates found among stream and lake substrates. Although not highly regarded as food fish, suckers flesh is sweet and firm when taken from cold waters. Young white suckers are often used as bait.

distribution

Distribution of white suckers in NY state.

A 382k jpeg of the white sucker is also available for download.

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