Fish

River Chub

(Nocomis micropogon)

Species Description

**Description:** A robust minnow known as the "architect" of the river for building massive gravel mound-nests.

**Size & Weight:** 6 to 9 inches long; can reach 12 inches.

**Sexual Dimorphism:** Breeding males develop large, horn-like bumps (tubercles) on the head and a vibrant pinkish-gold belly.

**Behavior:** Males carry individual stones in their mouths to build mounds up to 3 feet wide; their nests are vital "nurseries" for many other fish species.

**Habitat:** Clean, rocky currents of the Allegheny and Clarion Rivers.

💡 Fun Facts

River Chub nests are so large and sturdy that many other fish species rely on them as safe places to lay their own eggs.
River Chub (Spawning Tubercles): A detailed view of the large, horn-like bumps (tubercles) that grow on the male's head during the nest-building season.
River Chub (Mound Nest Construction): A documentation of the male chub carrying individual stones in its mouth to create a spawning mound that can be over 3 feet wide.
River Chub (Satellite Nesting): A visual of other fish species, like shiners, using the river chub's mound nest to lay their own eggs while the male chub guards the site.
River Chub (Spawning Pit): A visual record of the depression created by the male chub downstream of his mound nest, where the actual egg-laying occurs.
River Chub (Mound Maintenance): A visual of the male chub removing silt and debris from his spawning mound to keep the eggs properly oxygenated.
Male River Chubs are the architects of the stream, carrying individual stones in their mouths to build mound nests up to 3 feet wide.
During the breeding season, males develop large, horn-like bumps called tubercles on their heads.
Their sturdy nests are so well-built that many other fish species rely on them as safe places to lay their own eggs.