Once thought to be extinct, populations of robust redhorse suckers are now known to exist in several rivers in Georgia and North and South Carolina. It is found near silty to rocky pools and slow runs into small to medium rivers. Spawning occurs in coarse gravel habitats from late April to early July. Also called the smallfin redhorse sucker, is one of the most threatened species in Georgia and North America. It is listed as endangered by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, however, it is not listed on the IUCN Red List.

Look for the robust redhorse sucker in the Georgia Explorer gallery at the Aquarium.

• The robust redhorse sucker has bronze on its back and sides, and the adults are faintly striped on the lower sides.
• The male has large prominent tubercles on the snout, head, anal and caudal fins during the spawning season.
• It is a heavy-bodied fish and can weigh up to 17 pounds.
• It has large molar-like teeth, used for crushing crustaceans.
• The juvenile has intense red in the caudal fin.

Full Fact Sheet   Back to Section Overview