They are sometimes reared and sold as bait fish for large sport fish such as pike and muskie. Their greatest value is a link in the food chain, eating primary consumers and serving as prey for sport fish. Suckers are mostly solitary, sedentary fish, strongly oriented to a bottom existence.Ī limited commercial fishery for suckers exist in some states, where they are erroneously sold for food as "mullet." The meat is firm and tasty by afflicted with inter-muscular bones (as minnows and pikes), thus they are often sold pickled or smoked. Eggs are adhesive, sink and stick to bottom gravel. They make mass upstream spawning migrations in the early Spring. Suckers feed by "vacuuming up" invertebrates and clams on river bottoms, and do not thrive in heavily silted or anaerobic river bottoms. In contrast to their undeserved reputation as "trash" fish, they prefer clean, unpolluted waters and some species are often found with trout. They are frequently found in pools and shoreline areas of lakes. However, most are small species that hide among bottom rocks in rivers and streams. All have similar body shapes, most notably large thick lips and a suctorial mouth. Large suckers such as the white sucker, hogsuckers, and especially buffalofishes can reach lengths of 3 feet and exceed 30 pounds. (See Fish Gallery Below) About 63 species of suckers occur in North America 18 inhabit Virginia waters. Virtual Field Trips offer the benefits of experiences anywhere and at time that include Virtual Performances, Virtual STEM Field Trips, Virtual Farm Videos Field Trips, Virtual Museums Tours, Virtual Botanical Garden Online Learning, Virtual Zoo Fun, Virtual Aquarium digital learning and much more. ![]() Because of their abundance and size, they may account for much of the fish biomass in rivers and streams. ( See Fish Gallery Below) About 63 species of suckers occur in North America 18 inhabit Virginia waters. ![]() The Virtual Aquarium of Virginia Tech-Suckers
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