Fin's Fish Guide
The Creek chub (Semotilus atromaculatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Fresh water of the east and centre of North America, in a wide variety of streams and small rivers.
Description
The creek chub is a stout cyprinid of the family Cyprinidae (Leuciscidae) reaching about 30 cm. The brownish body has a large mouth, a dark lengthwise stripe along the flank and a dark spot at the base of the dorsal fin; in the breeding season the male develops large breeding tubercles on the head. The species is native to the fresh water of eastern and central North America and lives in a wide variety of streams and small rivers, where it is often the most common fish. As an omnivore it eats insects, small fish, crustaceans, worms and algae. In spring the male builds a gravel nest from heaped pebbles and guards it. It is a widely used bait fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Creek chub?
The Creek chub has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Sturdy stream fish with a large mouth, a dark longitudinal stripe and a blotch at the base of the dorsal fin; in the spawning season the male develops large tubercles on the head.
Where does the Creek chub live?
The Creek chub lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Fresh water of the east and centre of North America, in a wide variety of streams and small rivers.
How big does the Creek chub get?
The Creek chub grows to a maximum of about 30 cm. On average the species is around 19 cm.
Is the Creek chub dangerous to humans?
No, the Creek chub is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Creek chub edible?
The Creek 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 Semotilus
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Creek chub?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Creek chub is one of 12,519 species in the app.