CatostomidaeSuckers

The 68 species of suckers are found in freshwater rivers in North America, China, and northeastern Siberia. They can grow up to 1 meter long, but are usually less than 60 centimeters long. They have thick, fleshy lips that help them to attach themselves to rocks in the bottoms of fast-flowing rivers. They eat bottom-dwelling animals like worms, crustaceans, insects, and small fishes.

Contributors

Tanya Dewey (author), Animal Diversity Web.

Glossary

bilateral symmetry

having body symmetry such that the animal can be divided in one plane into two mirror-image halves. Animals with bilateral symmetry have dorsal and ventral sides, as well as anterior and posterior ends. Synapomorphy of the Bilateria.

chemical

uses smells or other chemicals to communicate

motile

having the capacity to move from one place to another.

natatorial

specialized for swimming

tactile

uses touch to communicate