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Zooplankton as larvae; organic matter and zooplankton as juveniles; and benthos, copepods, non-biting midges, sand-dwelling organisms, phytoplankton, and water fleas as adults are what a spotted sucker eats.

Specifically, the fish in question (Minytrema melanops) appreciates organisms that drift with water currents throughout the animal's life cycle. But the feeding habits change with size. For example, the larva matures to 0.98 inches (25 millimeters) while feeding on zooplankton in shallow back waters. The juvenile reaches 1.97 inches (50 millimeters) while preying upon organic matter during bottom-feedings. The adult relocates to deeper waters for feeding on zooplankton spring through fall. Mature spotted suckers specifically relish benthos and sand-dwelling organisms from substrate-foraging as well as cladocerans (water fleas), copepods, and diatoms (phytoplankton). They supplement the spring through autumn diet of zooplankton with summer through autumn feeding on chironomids (non-biting midges).

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11y ago

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