Fin's Fish Guide
The Piscivorous chub (Opsariichthys uncirostris) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 44 cm.
East Asia (Japan, Korea and China), in clear rivers and lakes with flowing water.
Description
The piscivorous chub is a slender, predatory cyprinid of the family Xenocyprididae reaching about 44 cm. Unlike most cyprinids it has a large mouth with wavy jaw edges that interlock, with which it holds prey. Outside the breeding season it is silvery with faint vertical bars, but breeding males colour up vividly with blue-green and red-orange tints and develop tubercles. The species comes from East Asia and lives in schools in clear rivers and lakes with flowing water. It hunts small fish, insects and crustaceans. It is a valued small sport and food fish and an unusual fish-eater among the cyprinids.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Piscivorous chub?
The Piscivorous chub has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Slender, predatory cyprinid with a large mouth whose jaws hook into each other; in the spawning season the male colours up brightly with breeding tubercles.
Where does the Piscivorous chub live?
The Piscivorous chub lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. East Asia (Japan, Korea and China), in clear rivers and lakes with flowing water.
How big does the Piscivorous chub get?
The Piscivorous chub grows to a maximum of about 44 cm. On average the species is around 12 cm.
Is the Piscivorous chub dangerous to humans?
No, the Piscivorous chub is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Piscivorous chub edible?
Yes, the Piscivorous chub is commonly eaten.
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All data
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Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Opsariichthys
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Piscivorous chub?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Piscivorous chub is one of 12,519 species in the app.