Catostomus

/kætˈɒstəməs/ noun

Definition

A genus of sucker fish found in North American freshwater ecosystems, including the common longnose sucker.

Etymology

Greek 'kata' (down) + 'stoma' (mouth), giving the genus its scientific name. Linnaeus and later ichthyologists used this descriptive anatomical name to organize fish taxonomy in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Kelly Says

The longnose sucker got its name because it literally has an extended snout—it's like the fish inherited a long nose that turned out to be the perfect tool for hunting food in narrow crevices under rocks!

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