Fin's Fish Guide
The Bigeye chub (Hybopsis amblops) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 10 cm.
Fresh water of central and eastern North America, in clear, flowing streams and rivers with sandy and gravel bottoms.
Description
The bigeye chub is a slender, silvery cyprinid of the family Leuciscidae reaching about 10 cm. As its name says the species stands out for its large eyes; it also has an inferior mouth with a small barbel in each corner and a shiny, sometimes golden lengthwise stripe. The species lives in schools in clear, flowing streams and rivers with sand and gravel bottoms in central and eastern North America and is sensitive to turbidity. On the bottom it searches, partly by sight with its large eyes, for insect larvae and small crustaceans. In spring it spawns over sand and gravel. Because of its sensitivity to pollution it serves as an indicator of clear streams.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bigeye chub?
The Bigeye chub has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Slender, silvery cyprinid with conspicuously large eyes, an inferior mouth and a small barbel in the corner of the mouth.
Where does the Bigeye chub live?
The Bigeye chub lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Fresh water of central and eastern North America, in clear, flowing streams and rivers with sandy and gravel bottoms.
How big does the Bigeye chub get?
The Bigeye chub grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.
Is the Bigeye chub dangerous to humans?
No, the Bigeye chub is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Bigeye chub edible?
The Bigeye chub is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Hybopsis
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Bigeye chub?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bigeye chub is one of 12,519 species in the app.