Fish of the Day
Today's fish is the Lost river sucker!
The Lost river sucker, scientific name Deltistes luxatus, is the only remaining Delitistes sucker species remaining. Found in and around Southwestern Oregon and Northern California. These fish live in Klamath river, and Klamath lake, as well as Lost river, and the connected sub-basins. These fish prefer the cool waters around 16-24 °C (60-75 °F) that are well oxygenated, although juvenile and larval fish are much more tolerant of brackish, and low oxygenated waters. However, due to the preferences as they age, adult Lost river suckers can be found in deeper lakes, pools, and fast currents.
The diet of these fish is primarily made up of zooplankton, with an inclusion of other macroinvertebrates, and algae. As the name suggests, these fish suck their prey in. However the Lost river sucker is unique in that their mouths are in a lower position, making it easier for them to consume prey beneath them. Although these fish can grow absurdly large, with adult fish growing to sizes up to 31 inches, with some even managing to reach a full yard of length, or around a meter. Despite this impressive length, these fish mostly weigh sparingly, with most only coming to around 10 pounds. Although as adults these fish have impressive size, when young these fish are often consumed by larger fish, such as invasive fathead minnows.
These fish spawn from March-May, breeding in shallow waters over fine gravel. Fish will cluster in groups of one male and anywhere from 2-7 males, which will cluster around the female, who releases several thousand eggs, and releases milt. These fertilized eggs will then hatch within the next few weeks, from April-July, drifting downstream into nearby lakes. These larvae will then spend these next few years hiding within vegetation in these lakes, growing quickly within the coming years. Despite their pickiness in later years, these fish are very tolerant of water conditions as juveniles, willing to settle into various PH, temperatures, and dissolved oxygen concentrations. These fish will sexually mature between 4-9 years, growing incredibly quickly and spreading throughout their region. These fish have even been documented living into their 50's! Although most wild fish will live only until around 12 years of age.
That's the Lost river sucker fish , everybody! I hope you enjoyed learning about this fish!
