Spotted sucker
Spotted sucker | |
---|---|
Minytrema melanops illustration | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Actinopterygii |
Order: | Cypriniformes |
Family: | Catostomidae |
Genus: | Minytrema D. S. Jordan, 1878 |
Species: | M. melanops
|
Binomial name | |
Minytrema melanops (Rafinesque, 1820)
| |
Synonyms | |
|
The spotted sucker (Minytrema melanops) is a species of sucker (fish) that is native to eastern North America. The spotted sucker inhabits deep pools of small to medium rivers over clay, sand or gravel. They are occasionally found in creeks and large rivers. Through its life stages, the spotted sucker goes from a mid-depth predator to a bottom forager. Spotted suckers have a lifespan of approximately six years and spawn in April and May. Limited knowledge of the occurrence, abundance, and natural history of this species has been an impediment to status assessment and the determination of need for conservation measures within this family.[2]
Description
Spotted suckers have a dark spot at the base of each scale giving them the appearance of having many rows of small black spots on their body and can reach about 19 inches.[3]
Geographic distribution
The spotted sucker has a very wide distribution. They are widely found throughout the central and
Ecology
The feeding habits of M. melanops show a distinct change throughout its life cycle. As larvae the fish feed upon individual
Predators of the spotted sucker typically vary depending on the environment. It depends heavily on clean waters with no silt to survive. It prefers sluggish water, but has been found in some turbid environments. Human activities have caused for the streams that Minytrema lives in to become silted, thus making it hard for them to survive. However, dams have also caused impoundments which can cause slower moving waters and boost populations.
Life history
Spawning season for the spotted suckers begin anywhere from early March to early May when the water temperature reaches approximately 12 to 19 °C (54 to 66 °F). The fish migrate upstream to smaller tributaries in January to spawn in riffles containing gravel substrates.[9] There are usually two males for every female. As the female approaches, the males bump and prod her in the abdomen. The males then clasp the posterior half of the female between themselves on either dies. They vibrate their caudal sections and head toward the surface. During this time semibouyant eggs are released downstream. There is no parental care by the adults. The males do not guard the nest and leave after the act of spawning. Both sexes are able to spawn more than once in a season. The eggs will hatch after seven to ten days[10] depending on the water temperature and will reach sexual maturation after three years. The lifespan is generally six years. However, fish in the southeast and to only live for five years. It is unknown why this is.[6]
Early development of M. melanops is quite similar to that of other
Conservation and management
Spotted suckers are not federally listed as endangered or threatened in the United States. However, in Canada the number of spotted suckers is very low. They are listed as a species of concern and fishermen are asked to report any sightings they have of the fish in order to keep a current count of fish populations. The suckers do not usually hybridize with other species.[11] Overfishing is not a problem for this species. While they generally taste pretty good to eat[tone], the flesh has a lot of bones making it difficult to clean them.
References
- . Retrieved 1 July 2022.
- ^ a b Coughlan, D. J., B. K. Baker, D. H. Barwiick, A. B. Garner, and W. R. Doby. "Catostomid fishes of the Wateree River, South Carolina." Southeastern Naturalist(2012): 305-320.
- ^ "Spotted Sucker." Spotted Sucker. Ohio Department of Natural Resources, n.d. Web. 27 Oct. 2013.
- ^ Timothy B. Grabowski, Shawn P. Young, J. Jeffery Isely, and Patrick C. Ely, "Age, Growth, and Reproductive Biology of Three Catostomids From the Apalachicola River, Florida." Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management ( 2012): 223-237.
- ^ Forese, Rainer, and Auda K. Ortañez. "Minytrema Melanops (Rafinesque, 1820)." FishBase. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Nov. 2013.
- ^ a b "Spotted Sucker Minytrema Melanops." Spotted Sucker Minytrema Melanops. Texas State University - San Marcos, n.d. Web. 17 Nov. 2013.
- ^ "Spotted Sucker." Ontario Government, Ministry of Natural Resources. N.p., 2 May 2013. Web. 17 Nov. 2013.
- ^ a b David S. White and Kim H. "Foods and Feeding Habits of the Spotted Sucker, Minytrema melanops (Rafinesque)." Haag American Midland Naturalist (1977): 137-146.
- ^ "Spotted Sucker." Outdoor Alabama. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, n.d. Web. 17 Nov. 2013.
- ^ Spotted Sucker." Spotted Sucker. Ohio Department of Natural Resources, n.d. Web. 27 Oct. 2013.
- ^ Etnier, David A., and Wayne C. Starnes. The Fishes of Tennessee. Knoxville: University of Tennessee, 1993. Print.