Fin's Fish Guide
The River chub (Nocomis micropogon) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 33 cm.
Fresh water of eastern North America, in clear, flowing rivers and streams with gravel and stony bottoms.
Description
The river chub is a robust cyprinid of the family Leuciscidae reaching about 33 cm. The body has large scales, a large head and a small barbel at the corner of the mouth; the breeding male develops a swollen head covered with tubercles and a pinkish tinge. The species is native to the fresh water of eastern North America and lives in clear, flowing rivers and streams with gravel and stone bottoms. As an omnivore it eats insect larvae, crustaceans, molluscs, algae and plant matter. Remarkably, in spring the male piles up a large gravel mound nest with its mouth, over which other cyprinids also come to spawn. It is much used as bait.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the River chub?
The River chub has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Sturdy cyprinid with a large head and a small barbel; the breeding male develops a swollen head with spawning tubercles and builds a gravel mound as a nest.
Where does the River chub live?
The River chub lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Fresh water of eastern North America, in clear, flowing rivers and streams with gravel and stony bottoms.
How big does the River chub get?
The River chub grows to a maximum of about 33 cm. On average the species is around 14 cm.
Is the River chub dangerous to humans?
No, the River chub is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the River chub edible?
The River chub is rarely eaten.
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All data
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Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Nocomis
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the River chub?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the River chub is one of 12,519 species in the app.