This page will give you a visual aid to properly identify some of the different species of Sucker fish. Not all of the species that are going to be included can be found in Ohio , but it will be handy info!

The White Sucker (Catostomus commersoni)

Brief Description:
The white sucker is the most common sucker in the United States. It is a small fish averaging about two pounds. It is brownish in color with a white belly, and an underslung mouth, and the body is cylindrical.

The Golden Redhorse (Moxostoma erythrurum)

Brief Description:
This is the most common redhorse species. It has a squarish head, red or orange fins, and a gray or pinkish tail. The dorsal fin is concave, has 12 or 13 rays, and the rays are strongly branched at the tips.

The Silver Redhorse (Moxostoma anisurum)

Brief Description:
This redhorse species grows large, averaging about four pounds. It has a squarish head, red or orange fins, and a gray or pinkish tail. The dorsal fin is convex, almost fan-shaped, and has 15 rays. No other redhorse has 15 dorsal rays.

The Shorthead Redhorse (Moxostoma macrolepidotum)

Brief Description:
This redhorse species has a short, pointed head, red or orange fins, and a bright, blood-red tail. The dorsal fin is concave, and the mouth is quite small.