Fin's Fish Guide
The Roundtail chub (Gila robusta) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 43 cm.
Description
The roundtail chub is a cyprinid (Leuciscidae) from southwestern North America, especially the Colorado basin. The species grows to about 50 cm and has a streamlined, silver-grey body with a slender tail base. It inhabits rocky runs and sometimes pools of creeks and rivers, and also impoundments. As an omnivore it eats insects, crustaceans, small fishes, algae and plant matter. Owing to dams, habitat loss and introduced species it is considered vulnerable; it can hybridise with related Gila species. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Roundtail chub?
The Roundtail chub has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Slender caudal peduncle; vulnerable due to dams and introduced species; hybridises with related chubs.
Where does the Roundtail chub live?
The Roundtail chub lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Southwestern North America; rocky runs and pools of rivers.
How big does the Roundtail chub get?
The Roundtail chub grows to a maximum of about 43 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.
Is the Roundtail chub dangerous to humans?
No, the Roundtail chub is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Roundtail chub edible?
The Roundtail chub is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Gila
More from the family Cyprinidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Roundtail chub is one of 12,519 species in the app.