How to Identify Sacramento Sucker

To identify Sacramento Sucker (Catostomus occidentalis), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Dorsal surface typically dark olive to brownish-gray, fading to a lighter, often silvery or yellowish-white ventral surface. Fins are usually dusky. Breeding males may exhibit reddish or orange lateral bands and tubercles.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

subterminal

Distinctive features

Large, fleshy, papillose lips forming a subterminal mouth, Absence of scales on the head, Large, cycloid scales covering the body, Single dorsal fin with 10-13 rays, Pelvic fins located abdominally

Dorsal fin

Single, relatively short-based dorsal fin with 10-13 soft rays. The anterior rays are typically longer.

Tail fin

Moderately forked caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Pectoral fins are relatively large and rounded.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are located abdominally, well behind the pectoral fins. Anal fin is short-based with 7 soft rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Mouth

   Look for the distinctive large, fleshy, papillose (bumpy) lips located on the underside of the head (subterminal mouth). This is a key characteristic of all suckers.

2. 2

   Body Shape and Coloration

   An elongated, cylindrical body, typically dark on top and lighter below. The absence of scales on the head is also a good indicator.

3. 3

   Dorsal Fin

   A single dorsal fin with 10-13 soft rays, positioned roughly midway along the back.

4. 4

   Geographic Location

   Its presence within the Sacramento-San Joaquin drainage and adjacent coastal drainages of California is a strong indicator, as it is native to this region.

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