Blue Sucker

Cycleptus elongatus

Identification: Long, somewhat compressed body; small head (length 5 or more times into standard length). Long falcate dorsal fin; 28-37 rays. Blunt snout overhangs small horizontal mouth; many blunt papillae on lips. Long caudal peduncle; deeply forked caudal fin. Olive blue or gray above; blue-white below; dark blue-gray fins. Large male is blue-black; minute white tubercles cover head, body, and fins of breeding male. Large female is tan to light blue, has fewer tubercles. 51-59 lateral scales, 7 anal rays. To 36 in. (93 cm).

Range: Mississippi River basin from Pennsylvania to central Montana , and south to Lousiana; Gulf Slope drainage from Mobile Bay , Alabama to Rio Grande , Texas , New Mexico , and Mexico . Locally common but becoming less common over much of range.

Habitat: Strong current in deep (1-2.5m) chutes and main channels of medium to large rivers over bedrock, sand, and gravel.

Peterson Guide: Freshwater Fishes