Blotched chub

The blotched chub (Erimystax insignis) is a species of fish in the family Cyprinidae, the minnow and carp family. This fish species in native to the Southeastern region of the United States.[2]

Blotched chub
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae
Subfamily: Leuciscinae
Clade: Pogonichthyinae
Genus: Erimystax
Species:
E. insignis
Binomial name
Erimystax insignis
(C. L. Hubbs & Crowe, 1956)
Synonyms
  • Hybopsis insignis Hubbs & Crowe, 1956

Appearance

The blotched chub is a slender, silvery minnow with dark 'I' shaped vertical patches along the lateral portion of the body.

Distribution and habitat

This species is found primarily in the Cumberland and Tennessee River drainages of southern states.[2] Although, a subspecies is known to inhabit the Upper Tennessee and the Ridge and Valley region.[2] The majority of the Tennessee River is inhabited by the blotched chub and its subspecies.

The blotched chub's preferred habitat is the clear riffle areas of small creeks. These areas must have plenty of substrate, which is required for this species to spawn.

Ecology

Spawning season for this fish is at its highest in the months of March and April, when water temperatures reach 12–15 °C (54–59 °F).[3] Though, this may vary from year to year depending upon factors such as, rain amounts, sedimentation, and surrounding environmental temperatures. It has been found that this species typically spawns earlier than that of others in the family Cyprinidae.[3]

References
  1. NatureServe (2013). "Erimystax insignis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2013: e.T202095A15362589. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T202095A15362589.en. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
  2. Etnier, David; Starnes, Wayne (1993). The Fishes of Tennessee. Knoxville: The University of Tennessee Press. p. 167. ISBN 0-87049-711-1.
  3. Stallsmith, Bruce; Mann, Josh; and Allen, Candice (2015) "Reproductive Timing of Erimystax insignis (Blotched Chub) in the Flint River of North Alabama," Southeastern Fishes Council Proceedings: No. 55.
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