About Thoburnia rhothoeca (Thoburn, 1896)
Thoburnia rhothoeca is a small sucker fish that generally does not exceed seven inches in length. It has a small mouth with nearly triangular edges on its lower lip, a small black skull, and two reduced-sized air bladders. This species shows clear sexual dimorphism, with appearance differing between males and females: males have a narrow red lateral band and long dorsal and ventral fins, while females have a narrow brown lateral band and shorter dorsal and ventral fins. The distribution of this sucker ranges from northern Virginia to eastern West Virginia. It is most commonly found in the James River and its tributaries, with additional populations occurring in the Potomac River and its tributaries. This fish typically inhabits creeks and small rivers, preferring clear water with a rocky gradient, and can tolerate water temperatures ranging from warm to cold. Younger Thoburnia rhothoeca are most often found in smaller pools.
