Skip to main content
Catostomidae

Catostomidae

9.9
A group of freshwater fish with fleshy downturned mouths called suckers
  • noun
  • /ˌkætəˈstoʊmɪdi/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Catostomidae
  • Species in the Catostomidae family are often identified by their fleshy, downturned mouths.

Examples

  • The river ecosystem supports several types of Catostomidae, prized by some anglers.

  • Did you know that Catostomidae are often found in rivers?

  • Researchers study Catostomidae to better understand freshwater biodiversity.

  • Look at that Catostomidae swimming near the rocks!

  • Researchers study Catostomidae to better understand freshwater biodiversity.

  • Species in the Catostomidae family are often identified by their fleshy, downturned mouths.

  • The river ecosystem supports several types of Catostomidae, prized by some anglers.

Surface Forms

Catostomidae singular
Catostomidae plural

Morphology

Catostomidae = Catostomus (opaque) = Catostom + idae

The formation uses a Latin taxonomic suffix '-idae' attached to a genus stem; this is a technical scientific formation not transparent to average learners.

Etymology

Catostomidae comes from Greek parts cato- meaning 'down' and -stoma meaning 'mouth'. So the name literally says 'down mouth', which helps you remember these freshwater 'sucker' fish have a fleshy, turned-down mouth.