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Blue Sucker

Blue Sucker

Blue Sucker is listed as a threatened species by the state of Tennessee and is one of the rarest and most sensitive fish species in Tennessee waters.

Once abundant and commercially harvested in the 1800s, their populations have declined significantly due to habitat fragmentation from dams, pollution, siltation, and altered river flows.

Scientific Name: Cycleptus elongatus

Physical Characteristics:

These elongated, streamlined fish average 2-3 kilograms (4. 4-6. 6 pounds) and 76 centimeters (30 inches) in length, with some individuals documented beyond 40 years of age.

Their color varies from light steel-gray to olive green, with males turning blue or black during breeding season.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

They prefer deep, swift water in channels of large rivers with sand, gravel, or rubble bottoms.

Key Locations

In Tennessee, Blue Suckers occur throughout the Mississippi River drainage, including the Cumberland and Tennessee rivers and large tributaries like the Wolf River near its confluence with the Mississippi. These fish inhabit the thalweg (deepest channel) of large river systems in heavy current, particularly in the lower Wolf River near its confluence with the Mississippi, and sections of the Cumberland and Tennessee rivers.

Specific Spots

Adults seek clean gravel, rocks, or sand in deep fast water for spawning, while juveniles find safety in quiet side channels and backwaters.

Blue Sucker FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

When is the best time to fish for Blue Sucker in Tennessee?

However, fishing for this species should be avoided entirely during their spawning period from March through June when water temperatures range from 53-62°F.

How do you catch Blue Sucker in Tennessee?

Since Blue Suckers are bottom feeders consuming aquatic insects, crustaceans, and plant matter, bottom-fishing techniques would be most appropriate.

What do Blue Sucker eat?

Blue Suckers are members of the Catostomidae family with specialized fleshy mouths for vacuuming aquatic insects, crustaceans, algae, and plant matter from river bottoms. They feed primarily as bottom feeders, consuming aquatic insect larvae, crustaceans, plant materials, and algae.

Where do Blue Sucker live in Tennessee?

They prefer deep, swift water in channels of large rivers with sand, gravel, or rubble bottoms.

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