Fin's Fish Guide
The Illyrian chub (Squalius illyricus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Fresh water of the western Balkans, in the Adriatic basins of Croatia and surroundings, in moderately flowing rivers and connected lakes.
Description
The Illyrian chub is a slender cyprinid of the family Cyprinidae (Leuciscidae) reaching about 30 cm. Like other chubs it has a broad, blunt head, a large mouth and sturdy, large scales; the body is silvery-grey with a dark back. The species is endemic to the fresh water of the western Balkans, in the Adriatic drainages of Croatia and surroundings, in moderately flowing rivers and connected lakes. As an omnivore it eats insects, insect larvae, small fish and plant material. In spring it spawns on gravel, where the eggs stick to the stones. The Balkans are a hotspot of endemic chubs, with many species confined to a single drainage. Locally it is a common river fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Illyrian chub?
The Illyrian chub has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Slender chub with a broad, blunt little head and large scales; endemic to the Adriatic river basins of the western Balkans.
Where does the Illyrian chub live?
The Illyrian chub lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Fresh water of the western Balkans, in the Adriatic basins of Croatia and surroundings, in moderately flowing rivers and connected lakes.
How big does the Illyrian chub get?
The Illyrian chub grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.
Is the Illyrian chub dangerous to humans?
No, the Illyrian chub is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Illyrian chub edible?
The Illyrian chub is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Squalius
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Illyrian chub?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Illyrian chub is one of 12,519 species in the app.