Species profile
Carpsucker
Carpiodes velifer
At a glance
Carpsucker (Carpiodes velifer) is an IUCN Least Concern bony-fish species regulated in 5 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
Confirmed by 53 research-grade iNaturalist observations, with Mississippi, Ohio, and Alabama the top jurisdictions by observation count.
Notable details
- Distinguished by an exceptionally tall dorsal fin with a long, arching anterior ray.
- Prefers clear, large rivers with moderate to swift current in the central United States.
- Can reach about 45 to 50 cm in length in suitable riverine habitat.
- Feeds on algae, diatoms, and fine organic material scraped from sandy or rocky substrates.
- Less common than the river and quillback carpsuckers, with a narrower overall range.
Where Carpsucker are seen
Jurisdictions with rules for Carpsucker
Background
The highfin carpsucker (Carpiodes velifer) is a freshwater fish found in the southeastern and midwestern United States. Its usual habitat is medium to large-size rivers where it is mostly found 1 to 3 metres (3 to 10 ft) beneath the surface. It is a silvery fish with a prominent dorsal fin, which grows to an average length of 26.5 centimetres (10 in). It reaches sexual maturity at the age of…
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Carpsucker article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other bony fish on CatchRules
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.