The Virtual Aquarium of Virginia Tech--Suckers

Creek Chubsucker, Erimyzon oblongus

 
Physical Description: 
ï¿½	Robust, moderately large-scaled sucker
ï¿½	Somewhat elongate body, well rounded or somewhat compressed
ï¿½	Subterminal mouth
ï¿½	Short dorsal fin base, adult dorsal fin well-rounded
ï¿½	Male anal fin has two lobes, female is normal
ï¿½	Males have 3 tubercles on each side of snout and a few on the anal fin
ï¿½	Gold, green, and brassy iridescence along the top of the body
ï¿½	Black stripe on side of young, as well as reddish dorsal and tail fins

Similar species: 
ï¿½	Lake chubsucker (Erimyzon sucetta)

Mean body size:
ï¿½	Adults are 90-250 mm standard length 

Habitat:
ï¿½	Creeks, rivers, ponds and lakes
ï¿½	Low to moderate gradient creeks
ï¿½	Soft, firm bottoms in vegetated areas

Distribution in VA:
ï¿½	Atlantic drainages except the Pee Dee
ï¿½	Delmarva Peninsula

Food Habits:  
ï¿½	Aquatic insects, mollusks, and plants 

Reproductive Habits: 
ï¿½	Mature by age 2
ï¿½	Spawning occurs from mid-March to May in water that is 11.5-17 degrees Celsius
ï¿½	Spawning occurs in pools or moderate currents of small streams on sand and gravel
ï¿½	Fecundity is 7,500-83,000 eggs per female
ï¿½	Can hybridize with Lake chubsucker

Population Status, Economic, or Ecological Importance: 
ï¿½	Food source for sport fish

References:       

Jenkins, R.E and N.M. Burkhead. 1993. Freshwater Fishes of Virginia. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, Maryland.

If you are seeking more information for the above species click on the VAFWIS logo (The Virginia Fish and Wildlife Information Service):