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Redtail chub (Nocomis effusus) — Cyprinidae

Redtail chub

Nocomis effusus
Family: Cyprinidae

The Redtail chub (Nocomis effusus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 23 cm.

Length
23 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: USA

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Description

The redtail chub is a small minnow (Leuciscidae) from fresh water of the Cumberland and Tennessee systems in the southeastern United States. The species grows to about 12 cm and has a stocky, silvery body with a reddish tail and a pair of barbels; spawning males bear tubercles on the head and build a gravel mound as a nest. As a bottom-dweller it searches clear, flowing rivers for insect larvae and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Redtail chub?

The Redtail chub has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Redtail chub live?

The Redtail chub lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. North America: USA

How big does the Redtail chub get?

The Redtail chub grows to a maximum of about 23 cm. On average the species is around 14 cm.

Is the Redtail chub dangerous to humans?

No, the Redtail chub is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

More photos

Redtail chub (Nocomis effusus) — Cyprinidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Dominic, some rights reserved (CC BY))
Redtail chub (Nocomis effusus) — Cyprinidae — 3
Wikimedia Commons — (c) Dominic, some rights reserved (CC BY) (CC BY 4.0)
Redtail chub (Nocomis effusus) — Cyprinidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Daniel Folds, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Redtail chub (Nocomis effusus) — Cyprinidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Zakqary Roy, some rights reserved (CC BY))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Redtail chub sourced
Scientific name
Nocomis effusus
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
23.0 verified
Average length (cm)
14.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Natural range
North America: USA sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates, algae and detritus inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Can be caught with natural bait or lures, matched to the size and habitat of the species. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Nocomis

More from the family Cyprinidae

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