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Flathead chub (Platygobio gracilis) — Cyprinidae

Flathead chub

Platygobio gracilis
Family: Cyprinidae

The Flathead chub (Platygobio gracilis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 32 cm.

Length
32 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Canada, USA
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The flathead chub is a minnow (Leuciscidae) from fresh water of central and western North America, in the large prairie rivers. The species grows to about 32 cm and has a streamlined, silvery body with a flattened head, sickle-shaped pectoral fins and a small barbel. As a schooling fish it lives in turbid, fast-flowing rivers and eats insects, larvae and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Flathead chub?

The Flathead chub has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Flathead chub live?

The Flathead chub lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America: Canada, USA

How big does the Flathead chub get?

The Flathead chub grows to a maximum of about 32 cm. On average the species is around 14 cm.

Is the Flathead chub dangerous to humans?

No, the Flathead 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 Flathead chub edible?

Yes, the Flathead chub is commonly eaten.

More photos

Flathead chub (Platygobio gracilis) — Cyprinidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Maxfield JonasKrueger, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Flathead chub (Platygobio gracilis) — Cyprinidae — 3
Natalie Fleece (CC BY 4.0) via GBIF — CMN
Flathead chub (Platygobio gracilis) — Cyprinidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) paul_sk11, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Flathead chub (Platygobio gracilis) — Cyprinidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Nicholas Bott, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Flathead chub sourced
Scientific name
Platygobio gracilis
Family
Cyprinidae
Other names
Flathead chub; Saskatchewan dace verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
32.0 verified
Average length (cm)
14.2 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
North America: Canada, USA sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates, algae and detritus inferred
Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
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

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
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

More from the family Cyprinidae

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