Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Cypriniformes
- Family
- Catostomidae
- Genus
- Minytrema
- Species
- melanops
Habitat
Spotted suckers inhabit clear to moderately turbid rivers, streams, and reservoirs with gravel or sandy bottoms. They are commonly found in the eastern and central United States, including the Mississippi River basin and Atlantic Slope drainages, preferring areas with moderate current and aquatic vegetation for cover.
Diet
Spotted suckers primarily feed on aquatic insects, crustaceans, and plant material found on the river bottom. They use their sucker-like mouth to forage during the day, often sifting through substrate for detritus and small invertebrates. Feeding activity peaks in warmer months when food sources are abundant.
Behavior
Spotted suckers are generally solitary or found in small groups, spending most of their time near the bottom of rivers and lakes. They are active during the day, especially in warmer water, and may migrate upstream in spring for spawning. These fish exhibit territorial behavior around feeding areas but are not highly aggressive.
Conservation Status
Listed as Least Concern by IUCN.