Creek chubsucker

The creek chubsucker (Erimyzon oblongus) is a freshwater fish of the sucker family (Catostomidae).

Description

The creek chubsucker is one of three species in the genus Erimyzon from the family Catostomidae present in eastern North America, and is found primarily in one of two disjunct populations; either in the eastern Coastal Plain streams or in the mid-western streams east of the Central Plains. The creek chubsucker is typically found in vegetated rocky riffle areas, runs, and pools of clear freshwater.

The creek chubsucker is small in size, typically measuring less than 10 inches (25 cm) and weighing slightly under a pound. There is generally no sexual dimorphism exhibited between males and females and lifespan is typically from five to seven years. However, dimorphism does exist between juveniles and adults, with juveniles displaying a uniform, dark lateral stripe down the sides.

Both sexes exhibit longitudinal scale rows, 4–18 dorsal fin rays, an air bladder with two chambers, dorsal fin base less than one-fourth standard length, and lateral line absent. During breeding, the males grow horn-like tubercles, become more brightly colored, and are territorial of gravel substrat