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Yaqui chub (Gila purpurea) — Cyprinidae

Yaqui chub

Gila purpurea
Family: Cyprinidae
VU · Vulnerable

The Yaqui chub (Gila purpurea) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 14 cm.

Length
14 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Mexico, USA

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Description

The Yaqui chub is a minnow (Leuciscidae) from fresh water of the Yaqui basin on the border of Mexico and Arizona. The species grows to about 14 cm and has a streamlined, silver-grey body. Through its restricted range the species is vulnerable. As a bottom-oriented omnivore it lives in rivers, streams and pools of the arid southwestern North America and eats algae, small invertebrates and detritus. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Yaqui chub?

The Yaqui chub has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Yaqui chub live?

The Yaqui chub lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. North America: Mexico, USA

How big does the Yaqui chub get?

The Yaqui chub grows to a maximum of about 14 cm.

Is the Yaqui chub dangerous to humans?

No, the Yaqui 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

Yaqui chub (Gila purpurea) — Cyprinidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) stevemerkley, some rights reserved (CC BY))
Yaqui chub (Gila purpurea) — Cyprinidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) stevemerkley, some rights reserved (CC BY))
Yaqui chub (Gila purpurea) — Cyprinidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) lea_wenglas, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Yaqui chub (Gila purpurea) — Cyprinidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Leonard Brosanders, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Yaqui chub sourced
Scientific name
Gila purpurea
Family
Cyprinidae
Other names
Yaqui Chub; Yaqui chub verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
14.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
North America: Mexico, 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
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. 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 Gila

More from the family Cyprinidae

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