Bluehead Chub
Nocomis leptocephalus
- Class
- Ray-finned fish
- Rarity
- Common
- Observations
- 997
- Most observed in
- 🇺🇸 United States
- Conservation
- Least Concern
Description
The bluehead chub (Nocomis leptocephalus) is a species of freshwater fish belonging to the family Leuciscidae, the shiners, daces and minnows. native to North America. Its name is due to its appearance, as breeding males have a blue head and develop large nuptial tubercles. Adult bluehead chubs are, on average, between 70 and 160 mm (2.8 and 6.3 in) in length. They have a robust body with uniformly large scales. The scales are present on the belly and breast. They have a pored body, a weakly falcate pectoral fin, and pharyngeal teeth. They have a large mouth, small eyes, and a terminal barbel. Other characteristics include a darkened lateral band, spot on the caudal fin, and red coloration of the fins and iris of the eyes. They have 40 lateral line scales and 8 anal rays. The bluehead chub is a freshwater fish, and lives in pools, rivers, and streams. They feed on insects and plants.
Summary adapted from the Wikipedia article “Bluehead chub”.