The razorback sucker is a large, bronze to yellow fish that
grows to a weight of about 15 pounds and has a sharp-edged keel
behind the head. Breeding males turn gray-black with a bright
orange belly. Range: Originally widespread in the Colorado River
system, wild populations were reduced to a small number of
individuals in the Yampa, Colorado and Gunnison rivers in
Colorado. Reproducing populations remain only in the middle
Green River in Utah and in an off-channel pond in the Colorado
River near Grand Junction. The razorback is most often found in
quiet, muddy backwaters along the river. Habitat: razorbacks are
found in deep, clear to turbid waters of large rivers and some
reservoirs over mud, sand or gravel. Diet: Like most suckers,
the razorback feeds on both plant and animal matter.
Reproduction: The razorback sucker spawns in the spring.
Breeding males turn black up to the lateral line, with brilliant
orange extending across the belly. Endangered status: The
razorback sucker is listed as endangered feder