CATOSTOMIDAE Meaning and
Definition
-
Catostomidae is a family of freshwater fish commonly known as suckers. It belongs to the order Cypriniformes and comprises numerous species distributed throughout North America.
Members of the Catostomidae family are characterized by their elongated bodies, usually cylindrical in shape, with a ventral mouth adapted for sucking. This unique feature gives them their common name. They possess fleshy lips used for scraping algae and detritus from rocks and other surfaces. Most species have a pair of barbels, sensory organs resembling whiskers, located near the mouth, which aid in prey detection.
Suckers can vary in size depending on the species, with adults typically ranging from a few inches to several feet in length. They have large scales that may be either rough or smooth. These fish are typically bottom-dwelling, inhabiting rivers, streams, and lakes. They are known for their ability to tolerate various water conditions, including low oxygen levels, making them highly adaptable to different environments.
Catostomidae species generally feed on a diverse diet that includes plant material, invertebrates, and small fish. Some species, like the quillback and the buffalo fish, also exhibit migratory behavior, traveling long distances to spawn in the upper reaches of rivers.
Suckers play an essential ecological role by helping to maintain the health of freshwater ecosystems. They contribute to nutrient recycling, control algal populations, and serve as prey for larger predatory fish. Additionally, some species have economic importance as game fish, attracting recreational anglers.
Common Misspellings for CATOSTOMIDAE
- xatostomidae
- vatostomidae
- fatostomidae
- datostomidae
- cztostomidae
- cstostomidae
- cwtostomidae
- cqtostomidae
- carostomidae
- cafostomidae
- cagostomidae
- cayostomidae
- ca6ostomidae
- ca5ostomidae
- catistomidae
- catkstomidae
- catlstomidae
- catpstomidae
- cat0stomidae
- catostimidae
- Catastomidae
- Catostomidiae
Etymology of CATOSTOMIDAE
The word "Catostomidae" has its etymology rooted in Greek. It is derived from the combination of two Greek words, "kátostoma" (κάτωστομα), meaning "downward mouth", and "idaios" (ἴδαιος), which means "belonging to" or "pertaining to". "Kátostoma" is formed by joining "kato" (κάτω), meaning "down" or "below", and "stóma" (στόμα), meaning "mouth".
The term "Catostomidae" is the scientific family name for a group of fish commonly known as suckerfishes or suckers. It refers to their characteristic mouth structure that is positioned downward, or ventrally, on the fish's head.
Similar spelling words for CATOSTOMIDAE
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
