Fin's Fish Guide
The Iberian chub (Squalius pyrenaicus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 26 cm.
Endemic to the fresh water of central and southern Iberia, in rivers and streams that partly dry up into pools during the Mediterranean summer.
Description
The Iberian chub is a slender cyprinid of the family Cyprinidae (Leuciscidae) reaching about 26 cm. Like other chubs it has a broad head, a large mouth and sturdy, large scales; the body is silvery-grey. The species is endemic to the fresh water of central and southern Iberia and well adapted to the Mediterranean climate: it tolerates warm rivers that in the dry summer partly shrink to pools, into which the fish retreat. As an omnivore it eats insects, insect larvae, small fish, crustaceans and plant material. In spring it spawns on gravel. Through its broad tolerance it is common in its range, though locally under pressure from water abstraction and introduced exotics.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Iberian chub?
The Iberian chub has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Slender chub with a broad little head and large scales; tolerates the warm rivers of the Iberian Peninsula that dry up in summer.
Where does the Iberian chub live?
The Iberian chub lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Endemic to the fresh water of central and southern Iberia, in rivers and streams that partly dry up into pools during the Mediterranean summer.
How big does the Iberian chub get?
The Iberian chub grows to a maximum of about 26 cm.
Is the Iberian chub dangerous to humans?
No, the Iberian chub is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Iberian chub edible?
The Iberian chub is rarely eaten.
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All data
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Status & sources
Same genus Squalius
More from the family Cyprinidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Iberian chub is one of 12,519 species in the app.