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Suckers: Sharpfin Chubsucker 

Sharpfin Chubsucker
Erimyzon tenuis

Florida Range: Sharpfin chubsuckers inhabit streams of the western Panhandle, from the Perdido River to the Yellow River.

Overall distribution: Southeastern Louisiana, and eastward in Coastal Plain streams to the Choctawhatchee River drainage of Alabama.

Identification: The sharpfin chubsucker is superficially similar to the lake chubsucker, with which it is occasionally found. As the common name implies, the dorsal fin is sharply pointed, while that of the lake chubsucker is rounded in profile. Usually the first ray of the dorsal fin is longer than the base of this fin, while the first ray is usually shorter than the fin base of the lake chubsucker. Both of these chubsuckers are robust, oblong and somewhat compressed fishes; however, they are not nearly as deep-bodied or slab-sided as the carpsuckers and they have shorter dorsal fins (containing less than 20 rays) than the carpsuckers. Conversely, most other Florida suckers (spotted sucker and several redhorse suckers) are much more elongate and slenderer than the chubsuckers, and although the mouth of the chubsuckers is slightly below the head, it is not nearly as far beneath the head as that of the spotted sucker and the redhorse suckers. The anal fin of the male sharpfin sucker is not bilobed as is that of the male lake chubsucker.

Life History and Ecology: Little is known about the life style of this sucker. Breeding takes place in the spring, probably March and April. They may reach a length of 16 inches and may live seven or eight years. This is a fish of streams rather than quiet waters; however, it does not prefer the swifter waters favored by most suckers.

Sharpfin chubsuckers are typically found in pools and backwaters of creeks and rivers, especially where current flow is reduced and soft substrates occur with aquatic vegetation. They are rarely found in the larger rivers, where they would have to compete with the better adapted redhorses, spotted sucker and carpsuckers.

Status: Sharpfin chubsuckers are common in appropriate habitats in Florida and face no obvious threat to their existence.

Fishery: As with most other suckers, this species is good to eat, but bony. Where legal, they may be taken by netting, gigging or snagging. The young undoubtedly provide forage for predatory fishes, such as chain pickerel, redfin pickerel, and largemouth bass.

For the "Sucker Fish Regulations" Brochure click here.