White Suckers – 4/19/13

Observer: Richard Kramer

Observation Date: 4/19/13

Observation Time: 2:35 p.m.

Observation Location: Sucker Brook near the entrance to the Community Center

Common Name: White Sucker

Scientific Name: Catostomus commersoni

Comments: White suckers spawn in Sucker Brook for a few days in mid to late April. Remember to look for them after you file your taxes. The female and the males release their eggs and sperm simultaneously, thrashing their tails to mix them and ensure fertilization. White suckers also spawn in Beaver Brook just downstream of the wooden footbridge near the tennis courts at the outbound train station.

Check out this 2-minute video of white suckers spawning in Beaver Brook: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ru_KsfE4ZJQ

More Information: Massachusetts Wildlife