Catostomus tsiltcoosensis Evermann & Meek, 1898
Tyee sucker
Catostomus tsiltcoosensis
photo by Sandra J. Raredon / Smithsonian Institution, NMNH, Div. of Fishes

Family:  Catostomidae (Suckers), subfamily: Catostominae
Max. size:  4.42 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater; brackish
Distribution:  North America: coastal streams and lakes from the Siuslaw River south to the Sixes rivers in Oregon, USA.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-12. Distinguished from all other species of Catostomus by having the following combination of characters: 65-80 scales on lateral line; 9-12 dorsal fin with rays; 14-38 infraorbital pores; gill 24-31 gill rakers in specimens >20 cm SL; gill rakers with spines in clusters; caudal peduncle depth 6.4-9.3% SL; lateral fields of scales with either no radii or extensions of anterior radii; and foramen for the ninth cranial nerve between the exoccipital and prootic (Ref. 87374).
Biology:  Found in coastal streams and lakes as well as in brackish water. Observed in large schools, following the tide and venturing some distance into brackish water . Spawns over gravel and cobble (Ref. 87374).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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