CatostomidaeSuckers
The 68 species of suckers are found in freshwater rivers in North America, China, and northeastern Siberia. They can grow up to 1 meter long, but are usually less than 60 centimeters long. They have thick, fleshy lips that help them to attach themselves to rocks in the bottoms of fast-flowing rivers. They eat bottom-dwelling animals like worms, crustaceans, insects, and small fishes.
Contributors
Tanya Dewey (author), Animal Diversity Web.
Glossary
- bilateral symmetry
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having body symmetry such that the animal can be divided in one plane into two mirror-image halves. Animals with bilateral symmetry have dorsal and ventral sides, as well as anterior and posterior ends. Synapomorphy of the Bilateria.
- chemical
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uses smells or other chemicals to communicate
- motile
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having the capacity to move from one place to another.
- natatorial
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specialized for swimming
- tactile
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uses touch to communicate