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Photo by Unknown Photographer
Photo Courtesy of Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
Utah Sucker
Catostomus ardens
NatureServe conservation status
Global (G-rank): G5
State (S-rank): S2
- Reason: Though adaptable, prospering in a wide range of habitats, and often abundant, its range is somewhat restricted, being limited to the eastern edge of the Bonneville Basin in Utah (and the upper Snake River drainage in Idaho, barely entering Wyoming).
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General information
The Utah sucker, Catostomus ardens, is native to the Bonneville Basin of Utah, Idaho, Nevada, and Wyoming. In addition to its native range, the Utah sucker has been introduced to, and become established in, the Colorado River system. Utah suckers are relatively abundant in Utah, especially in Bear Lake.
In historic times, Utah suckers were an important food source for the people of Utah. Currently, however, Utah suckers are rarely eaten by man, and serve mainly as forage for other fish species.
Utah suckers are benthic (bottom dwelling) fish capable of adapting to many different types of environmental conditions in both lakes and streams. Utah suckers consume plant and animal matter, with algae being a common food item. The species spawns during the late spring either in streams or along lake shores. Eggs are broadcast into the water, where fertilization occurs. No parental care is given to eggs or young.
Species range
Range includes the ancient Lake Bonneville basin, Idaho, Utah, and eastern Nevada (Andersen and Deacon 1996), extending north to the Snake River system above Shoshone Falls and adjacent endorheic drainages, Wyoming, Idaho, and Utah (Page and Burr 2011). This species has been introduced, presumably via bait bucket, and established in other areas (e.g., parts of the upper Colorado River drainage).
Habitat
This adaptable fish lives in lakes (deep and shallow water), rivers, creeks, and reservoirs; over various substrates, often near vegetation (Page and Burr 2011). It tolerates warm (above 80 F) to very cold water, and slow or fast current. Water may be silty or clear. Spawning occurs in tributary streams or along shores of lakes.
Food habits
Bottom feeder. Varied diet; feeds freely on both animal and plant organisms, at all depths throughout the year. Grazes on filamentous algae.
Reproductive characteristics
Spawns in spring when water temperatures reach about 15 C (June in Bear Lake). Sexually mature at 2-3 years. Lifespan 10-12 years (Sigler and Sigler 1987).
Threats or limiting factors
No major threats are known.
References
- Biotics Database. 2005. Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, NatureServe, and the network of Natural Heritage Programs and Conservation Data Centers.
- Sigler, W. F. and J. W. Sigler. 1996. Fishes of Utah[:] a natural history. University of Utah Press. Salt Lake City. 375 pp.
