CREEK CHUBSUCKER - Erimyzon oblongus
GOLDEN REDHORSE - Moxostoma erythrurum
NORTHERN HOGSUCKER - Moxostoma erythrurum
WHITE SUCKER - Catostomus commersoni
On This Page
CREEK CHUBSUCKER
Scientific Name: Erimyzon oblongus
Fairfax County Native: Yes
Size: 10 inches
Diet: Microcrustaceans, aquatic insects, mollusks, algae and detritus
Distribution sampling sites: Map
The creek chubsucker is one of the few freshwater fish that do not possess a lateral line. The lateral line is a series of sensory pores along the head and sides of fish by which water currents, vibrations and pressure changes are detected.
GOLDEN REDHORSE
Scientific Name: Moxostoma erythrurum
Fairfax County Native: Yes
Size: 15 inches
Diet: Aquatic insects, invertebrates, algae and detritus
Distribution sampling sites: Map
The golden redhorse is a large sucker that is found generally in medium to large rivers but will migrate into smaller streams during the breeding season each spring. The individuals collected by Fairfax County staff were located near the mouth of streams flowing into the Potomac River.
NORTHERN HOGSUCKER
Scientific Name: Hypentelium nigricans
Fairfax County Native: Yes
Size: 15 inches but known to grow to 24 inches
Diet: Aquatic insects, microcrustaceans and algae
Distribution sampling sites: Map
The northern hogsucker is an aggressive feeder who will overturn stones and gravel in search of food. Other fish are known to follow feeding hogsuckers to eat any scraps it churns up from the bottom of the stream.
WHITE SUCKER
Scientific Name: Catostomus commersoni
Fairfax County Native: Yes
Size:20 inches, rarely larger
Diet: Insect larvae and small crustaceans
Distribution sampling sites: Map
The white sucker is a common fish found in Fairfax County streams. Its downturned mouth is adapted to feeding on midge larvae and small crustaceans found on the bottom of streams.