GENUS CYCLEPTUS RAFINESQLJE 



This genus differs from Ictiobus and Carpiodes, the only 

 other genera having a long dorsal fin, in having the fontanelle 

 obliterated by the union of the parietal bones, and in the very 

 elongate body. Only one species is known. 



Gourd-seed Sucker; Blackhorse 



Cycleptus elongatus (Le Sueur) 



This singular and interesting fish is known only from the 

 Mississippi Valley, where it is rather common in the larger 

 streams. 



It reaches a length of 2 to 2.5 feet, and is perhaps more 

 highly esteemed as a food-fish than any other member of the 

 family. It is usually caught in seines or on set-lines. 



Besides the vernacular names given above, it is also known 

 as "Missouri sucker," "sweet sucker," and "suckerel." 



Head 6 to 8.5; depth 4 to 5; eye 6 to 7 in head; D. 30; 

 A 7 or 8; V. 10; scales 9-56-7. Body unusually long and slen- 

 der, moderately compressed, not much elevated; caudal peduncle 

 long; head very small, short and slender, its upper surface 

 rounded; mouth small, entirely inferior, overlapped by the pro- 

 jecting snout; upper lip thick, pendant, covered with several 

 rows of tubercles; lower lip moderate, formed somewhat as in 

 Catostomus, but less full, incised behind; jaws with rudimentary 



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