Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Wildlife Quiz - White Sucker

White Sucker
The White Sucker (Catostomus commersonii) exists as a freshwater species native to the North American Midwest and Northeast and as far south as New Mexico. The Catostomidae, or sucker family, is closely related to minnows.
Also known by the names mullet, white horse or just plain sucker, White Suckers were originally so named because of their odd toothless mouth and distinctively fat lips. White suckers use these fleshy lips to suck up bottom sediments and consume organisms that may be hidden there. White Suckers will eat almost anything, including small invertebrates, algae and a wide array of plant matter. In turn, larger predatory fish species such as togue, bass and northern pike prey on the White Sucker.
While there exists a growing interest in serving up White Sucker as table fare, more commonly they serve as fish bait for anglers targeting large and more desirable fish species. For those interested in eating the White Sucker, their flesh is described as white, flaky and moist and highly prized when deep fat fried or served in fish chowders.
In Maine, the White Sucker spawns, usually in great numbers, in the shallow water of streams throughout April and May. During the spring spawn, females release thousands of eggs that are fertilized by awaiting males.
 White Suckers reach sexual maturity at three to eight years. Those hatchlings and juveniles fortunate enough to evade predators can live up to approximately 17 year and grow to 15-20 inches long.

Wildlife Quiz Questions:
  1. What is the native range of the White Sucker?
  2. What are other names for the White Sucker?
  3. Why are White Suckers called “Suckers”?
  4. What do White Suckers eat?
  5. What fish feed on White Suckers?
  6. When do White Suckers spawn?
  7. When do White Suckers reach sexual maturity?
  8. How long do White Suckers live?
Wildlife Quiz Answers:

  1. The native range of the White Sucker stretches from the North American Midwest and Northeast to as far south as New Mexico.
  2. The White Sucker is also know by the names mullet, white horse or just plain sucker.
  3. White Suckers are called “Suckers” because of their odd toothless mouth and distinctively fat lips.
  4. White Suckers will eat almost anything, including small invertebrates, algae and a wide array of plant matter.
  5. White Suckers are fed upon by larger predatory fish species such as togue, bass and northern pike.
  6. In Maine, the White Sucker spawns in the shallow water of streams throughout April and May.
  7. White Suckers reach sexual maturity at three to eight years.
  8. White Suckers live to approximately 17 years of age.

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