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Chihuahua chub (Gila nigrescens) — Cyprinidae

Chihuahua chub

Gila nigrescens
Family: Cyprinidae
VU · Vulnerable

The Chihuahua chub (Gila nigrescens) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 24 cm.

Length
24 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Mexico, USA

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Description

The Chihuahua chub is a minnow (Leuciscidae) from fresh water of the border region of northern Mexico and the southern United States. The species grows to about 24 cm and has a streamlined, silver-grey body. Through habitat loss the species is vulnerable. As a bottom-oriented omnivore it lives in rivers, streams and pools of the arid southwestern North America and eats algae, small invertebrates and detritus. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Chihuahua chub?

The Chihuahua chub has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Chihuahua chub live?

The Chihuahua chub lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. North America: Mexico, USA

How big does the Chihuahua chub get?

The Chihuahua chub grows to a maximum of about 24 cm.

Is the Chihuahua chub dangerous to humans?

No, the Chihuahua 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.

More photos

Chihuahua chub (Gila nigrescens) — Cyprinidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Tom Kennedy, some rights reserved (CC BY))
Chihuahua chub (Gila nigrescens) — Cyprinidae — 3
Wikimedia Commons — Brian Gratwicke (CC BY 2.0)
Chihuahua chub (Gila nigrescens) — Cyprinidae — 4
Wikimedia Commons — Photo by David J. Stang (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Chihuahua chub (Gila nigrescens) — Cyprinidae — 5
Wikimedia Commons — Photo by David J. Stang (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Chihuahua chub sourced
Scientific name
Gila nigrescens
Family
Cyprinidae
Other names
Chihuahua chub; Charalito Chihuahua verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
24.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
North America: Mexico, USA sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates, algae and detritus inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

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 verified
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 Gila

More from the family Cyprinidae

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