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Gila chub (Gila intermedia) — Cyprinidae

Gila chub

Gila intermedia
Family: Cyprinidae
VU · Vulnerable

The Gila chub (Gila intermedia) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 38 cm.

Length
38 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 Gila chub is a minnow (Leuciscidae) from fresh water of the Gila River drainage in southwestern North America. The species grows to about 38 cm and has a streamlined, silver-grey body. Through habitat loss and introduced predators 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 Gila chub?

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

Where does the Gila chub live?

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

How big does the Gila chub get?

The Gila chub grows to a maximum of about 38 cm.

Is the Gila chub dangerous to humans?

No, the Gila 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

Gila chub (Gila intermedia) — Cyprinidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Garrett, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Gila chub (Gila intermedia) — Cyprinidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) jknuth, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Gila chub (Gila intermedia) — Cyprinidae — 4
Wikimedia Commons — Jeff Simms (Public domain)
Gila chub (Gila intermedia) — Cyprinidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Thomas Everest, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
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All data

Identification

English name
Gila chub sourced
Scientific name
Gila intermedia
Family
Cyprinidae
Other names
Gila chub verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
38.0 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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