Are Sucker Fish Good to Eat? The Truth Revealed

Sucker fish are a type of freshwater fish found throughout North America. They have a distinctive mouth that looks like a sucker hence their name. But despite their prevalence many anglers and cooks wonder – are sucker fish good to eat?

In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of eating sucker fish, looking at their taste, texture, nutritional value, and preparation. We’ll also bust some common myths about these underrated fish. Read on to discover the truth about eating sucker fish!

There are over 70 species of sucker fish in North America from two main families – Catostomidae and Hypentelium Common varieties include

• White sucker – The most widespread sucker fish with a light brown back and silver sides.

• Longnose sucker – Named for its long snout. Has an olive green back and silver sides.

• Redhorse sucker – Identifiable by its red lower fins, The flesh is considered very tasty

Sucker fish live in lakes, ponds, rivers and streams. They feed on algae, plants, insects, larvae, crustaceans, and other small organisms.

These fish are bottom-feeders, using their unique mouths to suck up food from the substrate. Their diet gives their flesh a distinctive muddy taste if not prepared properly.

The Pros: Reasons to Eat Sucker Fish

While sucker fish have a bad reputation, they can actually be quite tasty and nutritious if cooked correctly. Here are some benefits of adding sucker fish to your diet:

Delicate, Flaky Flesh

Sucker fish have a light, delicate flesh when cooked. It flakes easily and has a mild, sweet flavor. The redhorse sucker, in particular, provides tasty white meat.

High Protein Content

Sucker fish are an excellent source of protein. A 3-ounce fillet contains around 20 grams of protein, providing 40% of your daily protein needs. Protein helps build muscle, bones and skin.

Rich in Omega-3s

The oil in sucker fish is high in omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA. Omega-3s support heart and brain health and reduce inflammation. Eating sucker fish provides an inexpensive way to increase your omega-3 intake compared to supplements or pricier salmon.

Low in Mercury

Since sucker fish eat plants and bugs, they are very low in mercury compared to predator fish. This makes them a safer option if you are concerned about mercury exposure from seafood. Pregnant women and young children can enjoy sucker fish without worry.

Sustainable Source

Sucker fish are extremely abundant in most waterways, so fishing for them has little environmental impact. And unlike large sport fish, they mature and reproduce quickly. Choosing sucker fish helps support sustainable fishing practices.

The Cons: Reasons Some Avoid Sucker Fish

While sucker fish offer some benefits, there are also a few downsides that explain why they aren’t more popular on dinner plates:

Lots of Small Bones

Sucker fish fillets contain many tiny, thin bones. These bones can be difficult to remove and may pose a choking hazard, especially for children. However, the bones are soft, thin and partly digestible.

Muddy Taste

Sucker fish eat off the bottom, giving their flesh an earthy, muddy flavor if improperly prepared. To avoid this, it’s essential to remove the red lateral line on the fillet and soak the meat in milk or saltwater before cooking.

Unattractive Appearance

Let’s face it, sucker fish are not the prettiest swimmers. Their downturned mouths and drab coloration make them easy to overlook as a food source. But remember not to judge a fish by its cover!

Difficult to Catch

Sucker fish can be tricky to hook compared to other sport fish. Their bony mouths and tendency to nibble lightly makes setting the hook a challenge. But their abundance makes up for the difficulty in landing them.

Preparing and Cooking Sucker Fish

Proper preparation and cooking is key to making sucker fish taste great. Here are some tips:

• Fillet and skin the fish as soon as possible after catching. Discard the fatty belly flaps.

• Soak fillets in cold saltwater or milk for 20 minutes to draw out any muddy flavors.

• Remove the dark red lateral line along each fillet to prevent a muddy taste.

• Season simply with salt, pepper and lemon. Avoid strong seasonings that will overpower the delicate flavor.

• Bread and pan-fry fillets to a golden brown until they flake easily, about 3-4 minutes per side.

• Bake at 400°F for 10-15 minutes on a greased baking sheet until cooked through.

• Grill over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side, basting with butter or oil to prevent sticking.

Health Risks to Consider

While sucker fish provide lean protein and omega-3s, there are a couple risks to consider:

• Parasites – Sucker fish sometimes carry parasites like tapeworms if eaten raw or undercooked. Be sure to cook thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 145°F to kill any parasites. Also avoid cross-contamination.

• PCBs – Bottom-feeders like sucker fish may accumulate higher levels of PCBs and other contaminants from sediments. Limit consumption to avoid excessive exposure, especially for children and pregnant/nursing women.

• Bones – Sucker fish bones are harmless if chewed and swallowed, but they can pose a choking risk for some people. Take care when eating.

Popular Sucker Fish Recipes

Once you’ve got your freshly-caught sucker fish filleted and prepped, try out these tasty recipes:

Pan-Fried Sucker Fish

• Dredge fillets in flour, paprika, salt and pepper
• Pan fry in olive oil or butter over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side
• Squeeze fresh lemon over the top and enjoy with homemade tartar sauce

Baked Parmesan Sucker Fish

• Coat fillets with panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, paprika and dried parsley
• Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes until browned and flaky
• Serve with roasted potatoes and lemon wedges

Sucker Fish Cakes

• Flake cooked sucker fish and mix with mashed potatoes, egg, parsley and lemon zest
• Form into patties and pan fry until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side
• Top with salsa or tzatziki sauce

Sucker Fish Chowder

• Simmer chunks of sucker fish, potatoes, onion, celery, garlic and spices in broth
• Finish with milk or cream and ladle into bowls
• Garnish with oyster crackers

The Best Way to Cook Sucker Fish

The best cooking method for sucker fish is a quick pan or grill fry. The high heat helps create a crispy exterior that locks in moisture while cooking the fillets through in just a few minutes.

Be sure to soak the fillets first to remove any muddy flavors. And take care not to overcook, as the lean flesh can dry out quickly.

Frying really brings out the mild, sweet flavor of sucker fish while keeping the interior moist. Try dredging fillets in flour or panko breading before frying to add extra crunch.

Where to Find Sucker Fish

If you don’t want to catch your own, you can usually purchase sucker fish at:

• Local fish markets, especially in the Midwest where suckers are abundant
• Asian supermarkets, where they may be labeled as “whitefish”
• Online seafood retailers like Seattle Fish Co and Cleanfish
• Specialty fish shops that focus on local, sustainable varieties

When buying, look for firm, shiny fillets without discoloration. Sucker fish fillets are also easy to find frozen.

The Verdict: Sucker Fish Are Worth Eating!

While often mocked for their ugly appearance and bottom-feeding habits, sucker fish offer a tasty, nutritious and sustainable fish option. Their mild, flaky flesh takes on the flavors of whatever you cook it with.

As long as you remove the fatty belly, lateral line and any bones, and take care to cook thoroughly to avoid parasites, sucker fish make an excellent addition to your seafood repertoire. Their abundance also makes them one of the most sustainable fish choices.

So don’t turn up your nose at this humble fish! Sucker fish are low in contaminants, rich in protein and omega-3s, and provide moist, delicate fillets that fry, bake or grill up deliciously. The next time you catch one, give it a try on your dinner plate. With proper preparation, you may just find that sucker fish are surprisingly good eating after all!