Fish Species
Common Name | Modoc Sucker |
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Scientific Name | Catostomus microps |
Native | Yes |
Identification |
![]() Modoc sucker, spawning. Photo by Stewart Reid, Western Fishes, Ashland, OR.
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Life History | Modoc Suckers inhabit the cool (<25°C) pools of headwater streams that usually have high spring flows and low summer flows. Favorable streams have moderate gradients with large mud or rock bottomed pools where the Suckers can seek refuge during summer. Within a pool the younger fish tend to stay in shallow water while larger fish seek cover in the deepest holes. Modoc Suckers are commonly found in association with Rainbow Trout, Speckled Dace, Pit-Klamath Brook Lampreys, California Roach, and Pit Sculpin. Their populations may be adversely affected by the presence of predators like Pikeminnow and Brown Trout. Modoc Suckers feed primarily on detritus and algae, at which they are adept, though they may also feed on insect larvae and crustaceans found on soft substrates and aquatic vegetation. They undergo the most rapid growth during their 1st year and typically don’t exceed 15 cm SL in a 4 year life span (5 years max.). Modoc Suckers reach sexual maturity at age 3 and have a relatively high fecundity for their body size. When snow-melt increases flows in mid-April to early June, Modoc Suckers move up into tributary streams where water temperatures are in the range of 13-16°C. Spawning males arrive at gravelly riffles first and await the females. From mid-morning to late afternoon the females release some 6,400 to 12,600 eggs while 2-3 males simultaneously release their milt. The fertilized eggs fall into the spaces and crevices of the substrate where they incubate. |