Fin's Fish Guide
The Pale chub (Zacco platypus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 23 cm.
East Asia (China, Korea and Japan), in clear, flowing streams and rivers with gravel and stone bottoms.
Description
The pale chub is a slender cyprinid of the family Xenocyprididae reaching about 22 cm. The elongate, silvery body bears a row of vertical blue-green bars along the flank. Outside the breeding season the species is inconspicuous, but breeding males colour up vividly with blue-green and red-orange tints, develop tubercles on the head and an enlarged anal fin. The species comes from East Asia and lives in schools in clear, flowing streams and rivers with gravel and stone bottoms. As an omnivore it eats insects, algae, zooplankton and plant matter. It is a common river fish caught locally as a small food and sport fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Pale chub?
The Pale chub has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Slender cyprinid with vertical blue-green bars; in the spawning season the male develops bright colours, breeding tubercles and an enlarged anal fin.
Where does the Pale chub live?
The Pale chub lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. East Asia (China, Korea and Japan), in clear, flowing streams and rivers with gravel and stone bottoms.
How big does the Pale chub get?
The Pale chub grows to a maximum of about 23 cm. On average the species is around 13 cm.
Is the Pale chub dangerous to humans?
No, the Pale chub is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Pale chub edible?
Yes, the Pale chub is commonly eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Pale chub?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Pale chub is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Pale chub?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Pale chub is one of 12,519 species in the app.