160 Handbook of Nature-Study 



LESSON XXXVIII 

 THE COMMON SUCKER 



Leading tliought The sucker is especially adapted by shape for lying 

 on the bottom of ponds under still water where its food is abundant. 



Meilwd If still water pools along river or lakesides are accessible, it is 

 far more interesting to study a sucker in its native haunts, as an introduc- 

 tion to the study of its form and colors when it is in the aquarium. 



Observations i. Where do you find suckers? How do you catch 

 them? Do they take the hook quickly? What is the natural food of the 

 sucker? 



2. What is the shape of this fish's body when seen from above? 

 From the side ? What is the color above ? On the sides ? B elo w ? Does 

 the sucker differ from most other fishes in the coloring along its sides? 

 What is the reason for this? What do suckers look like on the bottom 

 of the pond? Are they easily seen? 



3. Describe or sketch a sucker, showing the position, size and shape 

 of the fins and tail. Are its scales large or small? How does it use its 

 fins when at rest? When moving? Is it a strong swimmer? Is it a high 

 jumper? 



4. Describe the eyes; how are they especially adapted in position 

 and in movement to the needs of a fish that lives on the bottom of streams 

 and ponds? 



5. Note the nostrils; what is there peculiar about them? 



6. Where is the mouth of the sucker situated? What is its form ? 

 How is it adapted to get the food which the sucker likes best? 



7. Tell all you know about the habits of the suckers. When do you 

 see them first in the spring? Where do they spend the winter? Where 

 do they go to spawn? How large is the largest one you have ever seen? 

 Why is their flesh usually considered poor in quality as food? Is there a 

 difference in the flavor of its flesh depending upon the locality in which 

 the fish lives ? Why ? 



The common slicker. 



