Western Lake Chubsucker

Western Lake Chubsucker (Erimyzon sucetta)

The Lake Chubsucker is one of Ohio?s rarer fish. As a species which requires clear waters, submersed aquatic vegetation, and clean substrates of sand, marl, or organic debris, many populations have been extirpated due to habitat destruction as a result of channelization, siltation, aquatic weed control, and pollution.

Formerly more widespread in Ohio's larger rivers, populations are primarily restricted to some of the glacial lakes in western and northeastern Ohio.

Populations are also found in southern Ohio in conjunction with some of the Teays Valley wetlands and associated drainages. A small population of Lake Chubsuckers can still be found in the Upper Cuyahoga State Scenic River in Geauga and Portage counties.