Erimyzon claviformis (Girard, 1856)
Western creek chubsucker
photo by Sandra J. Raredon / Smithsonian Institution, NMNH, Div. of Fishes

Family:  Catostomidae (Suckers), subfamily: Catostominae
Max. size:  23 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater
Distribution:  North America: USA: Lower Greak Lakes and Mississippi River basins from southern Michigan and southeastern Wisconsin (extirpated) south to Gulf; Gulf Slope drainages from Apalachicola River drainage in Georgia to San Jacinto River in Texas.
Diagnosis:  Very similar to eastern creek chubsucker Erimyzon oblongus, but has 9-11, usually 10 dorsal rays. Dorsal fin rounded. Presence of 5-8 dark blotches along side. Scales on lateral line 37-45 scales (Ref. 86798).
Biology:  Inhabits silt-, sand- and gravel-bottomed pools of clear headwaters, creeks and small rivers, usually near submergent vegetation. Occasionally found in lakes (Ref. 86798).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 28 March 2012 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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