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The longnose sucker ( Catostomus catostomus) is a species of Cypriniformes freshwater fish in the family Catostomidae. It is native to North America from the northern United States to the top of the continent. It is also found in Russia in rivers of eastern Siberia, and is one of only two species of sucker native to Asia (the other is the Chinese Myxocyprinus asiaticus).
Longnose suckers are easily confused with white suckers ( Catostomus commersoni), which appear very similar. However, longnose suckers can be distinguished by their comparatively finer scales.
The longnose sucker is distinctive for its physical characteristics.
First, the longnose sucker, as the name suggests, has an elongated snout which helps to distinguish the species from other suckers. The elongated snout can be 1/3 of the total body length. The longnose sucker has a circular suction disc (large lips) on the ventral side, located near the mouth. These large lips are an adaptation that allows the longnose sucker to attach itself to rocks and other substrate types in a fast-moving environment. The longnose sucker also has large and prominent scales that cover the body. These large scales provide protection from potential predators.
It is a bottom-feeding fish, eating aquatic plants, algae, and small invertebrates. They are preyed upon by larger predatory fish, such as bass, walleye, trout, northern pike, muskellunge and burbot.
The longnose sucker is a freshwater fish native to North America, particularly found in rivers and lakes. Its relationship with humans is based around recreational fishing.
In recreational fishing, longnose suckers are occasionally targeted by anglers for sport or as bait fish. They provide a challenge to anglers as they have strong fighting abilities. Longnose suckers are typically not sought after for human consumption.
The longnose sucker plays a crucial and vital ecological role as they are bottom feeders. As bottom feeders, the longnose suckers consume detritus and algae while stirring up the sediment. The bottom feeding behavior helps maintain water quality and helps improve the health of the aquatic ecosystem.
As for conservation, the longnose sucker faces habitat loss, water pollution, and competition from invasive species. Trout Unlimited, a conservation organization, is focused on habitat restoration and research initiatives to protect and enhance longnose sucker populations.
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