The Virtual Aquarium of Virginia Tech--Suckers

Bigeye Jumprock, Scartomyzon ariommus

 
Physical Description: 
ï¿½	Large-eyed, elongate, almost round sucker
ï¿½	Dorsal fin edge straight or slightly concave
ï¿½	Top of the head convex
ï¿½	Inferior mouth 
ï¿½	Thin, flattened, bumpy lips
ï¿½	Upper lip forms a hood over part of lower lip when closed; almost completely circular lips when open; lower lip halves are separated by a deep notch and are covered by large, symmetrically rowed bumps

Similar species: 
ï¿½	Black jumprock (Scartomyzon cervinus)

Mean body size:
ï¿½	Adults are 100-190 mm standard length 

Habitat:
ï¿½	Warm streams of moderate gradient
ï¿½	Slightly to heavily silted and vary in clarity
ï¿½	Deep runs and well-flowing parts of pools

Distribution in VA:
ï¿½	Endemic to the upper and middle Roanoke drainage 

Food Habits:  
ï¿½	Aquatic insect larvae, water mites, and some detritus

Reproductive Habits: 
ï¿½	Spawning may occur at age 3 or 4
ï¿½	Spawning probably occurs in February and early March at 2-17ï¿½C

Population Status, Economic, or Ecological Importance: 
ï¿½	Most sought after and difficult-to-catch fish in the Roanoke 
ï¿½	Siltation may have led to the extirpation of some populations
ï¿½	Rare over its range
ï¿½	Special concern status in North Carolina

References:       

Jenkins, R.E and N.M. Burkhead. 1993. Freshwater Fishes of Virginia. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, Maryland.

If you are seeking more information for the above species click on the VAFWIS logo (The Virginia Fish and Wildlife Information Service):