Laterally lined scales usually numbering between 62 and 73 mark the body of this sucker, and its head is counter shaded light below and dark above.

This particular species of sucker can be found in a variety of places within the southwest, ranging from the Yaqui River in Mexico, to the Cajon Bonito south of Douglas in Cochise County.

Suckers prefer fast and shallow runs during flooding seasons, and will retreat to slower and deeper pools during droughts.

Aquifer pumping, reduction in stream flows, and predation from non-native green sunfish, are all major contributing factors to the decline of the species according to NatureServe (2002).

[2] The San Bernardino Ranch has current plans to reintroduce individuals in attempt to recharge the population, and other projects involve federal habitat preservation.

Dexter National Fish Hatchery has had the most success, because they have developed an effective method for reintroducing the species, and providing the criteria for spawning.