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Catostomus commersonii
This "White Sucker" fish, was found along side the stream that goes through the back side of our property. During the months of April and May the fish swim up stream to spawn much like many other fish, once they spawn, they will die. Most become food for the various carnivorous mammals and birds of prey that habitat the region. This one was found untouched on the side of the stream, and died of natural causes. The fish will eventually be eaten by either birds, bugs, or raccoon, fox, or coyote.
Since the fish is a bottom feeder and has no preferential food options, it is highly adaptable to different habitats and changing environmental influences.[4] Generally, however, they are found in small streams, rivers, and lakes in the Midwest and East Coast of the United States.[5] The White sucker is also relatively tolerant of turbid and polluted waters.[6] Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Sucke...
You may ask why I added this spotting to the backyard habitat mission. The reason is simple, I spend many hours out in the woods where the stream is, clearing deadfall and logjams so that the fish have free access to swim up to the deeper pools of the stream where they can spawn safely. :-)
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