Home · Cyprinidae · Bull chub
Bull chub (Nocomis raneyi) — Cyprinidae

Bull chub

Nocomis raneyi
Family: Cyprinidae
LC · Least Concern

The Bull chub (Nocomis raneyi) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 32 cm.

Length
32 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The bull chub is a North American cyprinid from the eastern United States. The species grows to about 32 cm and has a stocky, bronze body; breeding males develop numerous tubercles on the head. It inhabits rocky pools and runs of creeks and small to medium rivers with clear, flowing water. In the breeding season males build conspicuous mounds of pebbles as nests, which are also used by other small cyprinids to spawn in. As an omnivore it searches the bottom for invertebrates and plant matter. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bull chub?

The Bull chub has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Bull chub live?

The Bull chub lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Bull chub get?

The Bull chub grows to a maximum of about 32 cm. On average the species is around 18 cm.

Is the Bull chub dangerous to humans?

No, the Bull chub is harmless to humans.

Is the Bull chub edible?

The Bull chub is not usually eaten.

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →

All data

Identification

Dutch name
Raneys kopvoorn sourced
English name
Bull chub verified
Scientific name
Nocomis raneyi
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
32.0 verified
Average length (cm)
18.3 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
5.0 verified

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Nocomis

More from the family Cyprinidae

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →