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Suckers: Highfin Carpsucker 

Highfin Carpsucker
Carpiodes velifer

Florida Range: Highfin carpsuckers inhabit the Escambia, Yellow and Choctawhatchee rivers of northwestern Florida.

Overall distribution: Along the Gulf Coast, these suckers range from Louisiana eastward to the Choctawhatchee River of Florida. In the west, it ranges northward from Louisiana to the Texas-Oklahoma border and north to Minnesota and Wisconsin. In the east it ranges from Florida, northward to North Carolina and Ohio.

Identification: Along with its cousin, the quillback, the highfin carpsucker superficially resembles the common carp. However, both carpsuckers may easily be separated from carp by the absence of barbels and lack of spines in dorsal and anal fins of the two carpsuckers. Both carpsuckers have the mouth positioned on the underside of the head and the snout extends forward beyond the jaws. In addition, the first ray of the dorsal fin may be very long, forming an elevated filament. Quillback and highfin carpsuckers are quite alike in appearance, but may be separated by looking at the lower lip. The highfin carpsucker bears a small, nipple-like structure, or knob, at the middle of the lower lip, while the quillback lacks this nipple. Both carpsuckers may be distinguished from other Florida suckers by body shape. Carpsuckers are deep-bodied and compressed from side-to-side, while other Florida suckers are more elongate or somewhat cylindrical. General body color is silvery or brassy on the sides, with the upper surfaces somewhat darker and the lower body white or yellowish.

Life History and Ecology: Although it is known to be a bottom-feeder, little else is known regarding the food habits of this species. In Alabama highfin carpsuckers have been observed in breeding condition during April through June. Spawning occurs over deep gravel riffles or runs. In Ohio, females produced from 41,600 to 62,300 eggs apiece. Highfin carpsuckers may live as long as eight years and reach a maximum size of about 20 inches and three pounds.

In Florida highfin carpsuckers are restricted to moderate-to-large sized rivers and do not enter the smaller tributary creeks, but in other areas they may do so. They prefer clean waters and apparently are intolerant of siltation and turbidity.

Status: The highfin carpsucker is common in the Escambia and Choctawhatchee rivers and appears to face no obvious threats to its existence. However, it does appear to be susceptible to siltation and other forms of environmental degradation.

Fishery: Although carpsuckers are bony, they are good to eat, and in the central United States have been harvested as commercial fishes. Small suckers are ecologically valuable as food for game fish. Suckers may be taken by snagging, netting or gigging where these methods are legal.

For the "Sucker Fish Regulations" Brochure click here.