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Bigmouth chub (Nocomis platyrhynchus) — Cyprinidae

Bigmouth chub

Nocomis platyrhynchus
Family: Cyprinidae
LC · Least Concern

The Bigmouth chub (Nocomis platyrhynchus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 24 cm.

Length
24 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Freshwater of the eastern United States.
Edibility
Rarely eaten

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Description

The bigmouth chub is a cyprinid fish from eastern North America. The species grows to about 24 cm and has an elongate, robust body with a broad head, a large mouth and a small barbel. It inhabits rocky pools and flowing parts of creeks and small to medium rivers. In the breeding season males build conspicuous gravel nests, which are also used by other species. As an omnivore it searches the bottom for invertebrates and plant matter. The species is of little commercial value and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bigmouth chub?

The Bigmouth chub has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Males build conspicuous gravel nests that other species also use.

Where does the Bigmouth chub live?

The Bigmouth chub lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Freshwater of the eastern United States.

How big does the Bigmouth chub get?

The Bigmouth chub grows to a maximum of about 24 cm. On average the species is around 15 cm.

Is the Bigmouth chub dangerous to humans?

No, the Bigmouth chub is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Bigmouth chub edible?

The Bigmouth chub is rarely eaten.

More photos

Bigmouth chub (Nocomis platyrhynchus) — Cyprinidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Oscar Upson, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Bigmouth chub (Nocomis platyrhynchus) — Cyprinidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) IHUNTA, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Bigmouth chub (Nocomis platyrhynchus) — Cyprinidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Bradley Rasmussen, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Bigmouth chub (Nocomis platyrhynchus) — Cyprinidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Evan Beall, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Bigmouth chub verified
Scientific name
Nocomis platyrhynchus
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
24.0 verified
Average length (cm)
15.2 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Freshwater of the eastern United States. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Benthic invertebrates and plant material sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Spawns in spring; the male builds and guards a gravel nest. inferred
Special features
Males build conspicuous gravel nests that other species also use. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Nocomis

More from the family Cyprinidae

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