How to Identify Chub

To identify Chub (Squalius cephalus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

torpedo

Coloration

Dorsal side is typically dark green to brownish-grey, fading to silvery flanks and a whitish belly. Fins are often dusky, with the anal and pelvic fins sometimes having a reddish or orange tinge, especially in spawning males.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

subterminal

Distinctive features

Large, broad head with a wide, subterminal mouth., Large scales, particularly noticeable along the lateral line., Robust, cylindrical body., Relatively short dorsal fin and deeply forked caudal fin.

Dorsal fin

Short, with 3 unbranched and 7-9 branched rays, positioned roughly midway along the back.

Tail fin

Deeply forked, with pointed lobes.

Pectoral fin

Relatively small, positioned low on the body.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin is slightly convex or straight, with 3 unbranched and 8-9 branched rays. Pelvic fins are abdominal.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Head and Mouth

   Look for a noticeably large, broad head and a wide mouth that opens slightly downwards (subterminal).

2. 2

   Scales

   Observe the large, distinct scales, especially along the lateral line, which are larger than those of many other cyprinids.

3. 3

   Body Shape

   Note the robust, cylindrical body, which is less compressed laterally than many other river fish.

4. 4

   Fin Coloration

   While variable, the anal and pelvic fins can often show a reddish or orange tint, particularly in mature individuals.

Explore Chub