Got a photo? Identify fish instantly with the Fishby app.
Open the appDescription
The Utah Sucker (Chasmistes muriei) is an extinct species of freshwater ray-finned fish in the family Catostomidae. It was endemic to Utah Lake and its tributaries in Utah, USA. This species was characterized by its large, subterminal mouth adapted for feeding on zooplankton, a feature distinguishing it from other suckers in the region. Its extinction is attributed primarily to habitat degradation, introduction of non-native species, and overfishing.
Physical Characteristics
- Body shape
- elongated
- Coloration
- Presumed to be silvery to olive-brown dorsally, fading to lighter on the flanks and belly, typical of many lake-dwelling suckers. Specific detailed coloration is not well-documented due to its extinction.
- Scale type
- cycloid
- Mouth position
- subterminal
- Distinctive features
- Large, subterminal mouth with thick, papillose lips, adapted for filter-feeding., Relatively large eyes., Absence of a prominent lateral line pore system on the head, unlike some other Chasmistes species.
- Dorsal fin
- Single dorsal fin, typically with 10-12 rays, located mid-body.
- Tail fin
- Moderately forked caudal fin.
- Pectoral fin
- Paired pectoral fins, relatively small.
- Distinctive fins
- Pelvic fins abdominal, located beneath the dorsal fin origin.
Identification Tips
Mouth Structure
The most distinguishing feature was its large, subterminal mouth with thick, papillose lips, indicative of a filter-feeding lifestyle. This contrasts with the smaller, more ventral mouths of bottom-feeding suckers.
Body Shape
An elongated, somewhat cylindrical body, typical of open-water fish.
Geographic Location
Historically, its presence was restricted solely to Utah Lake and its immediate drainage.
Habitat
- Water type
- freshwater
- Depth
- Primarily lacustrine, inhabiting the open waters of Utah Lake, likely ranging from shallow littoral zones to deeper pelagic areas.
- Environment
- Large, shallow, freshwater lake with associated tributary streams for spawning. Utah Lake is historically a large, productive, and relatively shallow lake.
- Geographic range
- Endemic to Utah Lake and its associated tributaries in Utah, USA.
Aquarium Information
- Care level: expert
- Temperament: peaceful
- Diet: filter_feeder
- Minimum tank size: Not applicable (extinct)
- Temperature: Not applicable (extinct)
- pH level: Not applicable (extinct)
- Hardness: Not applicable (extinct)
- Compatibility: Not applicable (extinct)
- Special requirements: Not applicable (extinct)
Wild Information
- Conservation status: extinct
- Seasonality: Not applicable (extinct)
- Market price: Not applicable (extinct)
- Commercial importance: none
- Taste: Unknown
- Texture: Unknown
- Nutritional value: Unknown
Key Facts
Extinct Speciesamazing
The Utah Sucker (Chasmistes muriei) is an extinct species, last observed in the early 20th century.
Zooplanktivorebehavior
Its unique mouth structure indicates it was primarily a filter-feeder, consuming zooplankton in the open waters of Utah Lake.
Endemic to Utah Lakeinteresting
This species was found only in Utah Lake and its tributaries, making it a highly specialized and localized species.
Taxonomic Confusioninteresting
Historically, there has been significant confusion and synonymy with the extant June Sucker (Chasmistes muriei), which is a distinct species.
Cause of Extinctionamazing
Its extinction is largely attributed to habitat degradation, introduction of non-native fish species (like common carp), and overfishing.
Safety Information
Safe- Safety level: safe
- Venomous: No
- Edibility: unknown
- Handling notes: Not applicable (extinct). For extant suckers, they are generally harmless and require careful handling to avoid injury to the fish.
Similar Species
June Sucker
Chasmistes muriei
The June Sucker (Chasmistes muriei) was initially described as a distinct species, but later taxonomic revisions, particularly by Miller and Smith (1981), synonymized it with Chasmistes muriei. Therefore, it is not a 'similar species' in the sense of a distinct co-occurring species, but rather a historical taxonomic synonym or a misidentification that was later corrected. The June Sucker (Chasmistes muriei) is now recognized as a distinct, extant species, Chasmistes muriei, which is critically endangered and endemic to Utah Lake. The original 'Utah Sucker' (Chasmistes muriei) is now considered extinct. This highlights a significant taxonomic confusion. For clarity, the 'Utah Sucker' (Chasmistes muriei) as described in the prompt is the extinct species. The extant 'June Sucker' (Chasmistes muriei) is a different species, though historically confused. The June Sucker (Chasmistes muriei) has a more terminal mouth and different gill raker morphology, adapted for feeding on benthic invertebrates and detritus, whereas the extinct Utah Sucker (Chasmistes muriei) was a zooplanktivore.
Utah Chub
Gila atraria
While also native to Utah Lake, the Utah Chub is a cyprinid (minnow family) with a more streamlined body, a terminal mouth, and lacks the thick, papillose lips characteristic of suckers.
Flannelmouth Sucker
Catostomus latipinnis
The Flannelmouth Sucker has a more inferior mouth, adapted for scraping algae and detritus from substrates, and generally has a more robust body form. Its mouth is not as large or subterminal as the extinct Utah Sucker.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Cypriniformes
- Family
- Catostomidae
- Genus
- Chasmistes
- Species
- muriei
Explore Utah Sucker
Identify fish anywhere
Free on iOS, Android, and Web. Photo identification, full species details, and more.