Illustration by Kent Pendleton. Courtesy of Colorado Division of Wildlife. Colorado Outdoors, May-June, 1975.
The razorback sucker is one of the largest suckers in North America; larger fish may weight as
much as 12 to 14 pounds and may be 40 years old.
This extremely rare, large-river species is found only in the Colorado River basin.
The razorback sucker is
distinguished from all other fishes by its abrupt, keel-edged, bony hump that rises on the back
immediately behind the head.
Its unusual body shape suggests a design suited for life on the
bottom in turbulent flows.
Reproductive failure or poor survival of young fish are believed to be
the primary reason for the decline of this species.
Maximum length: 24-36 inches.
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