Fauna
Species · GBIF taxon 2359034

Largescale Sucker

Catostomus macrocheilus

Also known as Columbia Sucker, Columbia River Sucker

Largescale suckers cruise the gravel beds of Pacific Northwest river systems, using their fleshy, downward-facing lips to vacuum up benthic invertebrates and algae. During spring spawning runs, adults migrate upstream into fast-flowing tributaries to deposit adhesive eggs over clear cobble. They play a pivotal role in freshwater food webs by processing riverbed detritus and providing forage for apex predators like sturgeon and eagles.

FreshwaterBottom FeederNative Fish
Largescale Sucker reference1 / 5
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Aquatic Insect Larvae
  • Freshwater Snails
  • Algae
Predators
  • River Otter
  • White Sturgeon
  • Osprey
ThreatsDams, habitat degradation, water temperature changes, and non-native predators
HabitatsLakes, reservoirs, rivers, and slow-moving streams
Life span15–20 years
Classification
  1. FamilyCatostomidae
  2. SpeciesCatostomus macrocheilus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Polarized Glasses: Wear polarized sunglasses when viewing shallow river margins to spot feeding adults.
  • Spawning Seasons: Look for migrating groups in clean tributary streams during spring warming spring weather.
  • Low Disturbance: Stand quietly along banks or docks to avoid casting shadows that spook bottom-feeders.
Related species
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