The northern hog sucker prefers flowing streams and creeks with gravel or stone bottoms. It is found in smaller tributaries in parts of New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and other Mid Atlantic states.
Although the fish is drab colored, it is easily identified by its uniquely shaped head and brown saddle-shaped markings.
A variety of fish species including smallmouth bass, sunfish, and shiners are known to follow behind northern hog suckers. As the sucker feeds among stoves and gravel, its partner fish captures prey that escapes the sucker’s powerful mouth.