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Sucker-mouth minnow (Tampichthys catostomops) — Cyprinidae

Sucker-mouth minnow

Tampichthys catostomops
Family: Cyprinidae

The Sucker-mouth minnow (Tampichthys catostomops) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Mexico

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Description

The sucker-mouth minnow is a small minnow (Leuciscidae) from clear, flowing rivers and springs of Mexico. The species grows to about 8 cm and has a slender, silvery body with an inferior mouth with fleshy lips with which it grazes over the bottom. As a social bottom-dweller it swims in schools and rasps algae, biofilm and small invertebrates from stones and sand. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Sucker-mouth minnow?

The Sucker-mouth minnow has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Sucker-mouth minnow live?

The Sucker-mouth minnow lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. North America: Mexico

How big does the Sucker-mouth minnow get?

The Sucker-mouth minnow grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Sucker-mouth minnow dangerous to humans?

No, the Sucker-mouth minnow is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Sucker-mouth minnow sourced
Scientific name
Tampichthys catostomops
Family
Cyprinidae
Other names
Pánuco minnow sourced

Appearance

Size class
Small
Max length (cm)
8
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Natural range
North America: Mexico sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates, algae and detritus
Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No
Activity
Diurnal
Reproduction
Separate sexes
Sexual dimorphism
No
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.

For anglers

Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Cyprinidae

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