Razorback Sucker (Xyrauchen texanus)
Native to Arizona. Back, olive to brown-black, sides brown or pinkish; Belly, white to yellow. Adults have sharp-edged keel or "humpback". Mouth facing downward; Lower lip widely separated into two lobes by a deep groove. 13-16 dorsal rays; 7 anal rays. Length; Up to 36 inches; Weight 1 to 13 pounds, and may live upward of 40 years.
Location Habitat:
The endangered razorback sucker may be extirpated from Grand Canyon. This fish was historically widely distributed throughout both the Upper and Lower Colorado River Basins. No razorbacks have been captured from the River in recent years. Adult razorback suckers are found in the Colorado River and the lower San Juan River above Lake Powell; in Lake Mead; and Lake Mohave. Prefers rivers with strong, uniform currents over sandy bottoms. Also found in eddies and backwaters adjacent to river channels, concentrating in deep places near cut banks.
Food:
The razorback sucker eat algae, aquatic insect larvae and planktonic crustaceans.
Angling:
Listed as Endangered and restricted from fishing.
Table Quality:
Early reports indicate the razorback was used extensively by Native Americans as a food source. 'Old timers,' interviewed in the Phoenix area, described the razorback sucker as an excellent food fish.