Fish
Chub
Squalius cephalus
Under an overhanging willow on a quiet river bend, a big chub lies in the shade, its broad head angled up towards a blackberry about to drop from the branch.
Overview
The chub, Squalius cephalus, is a Least Concern carp relative of clean, moderately flowing rivers across most of Europe and parts of western Asia. Its broad head, huge appetite, and wariness make it one of the most recognisable and most cautious river fish of the region.
A fish that eats the fruit of the bank
Chub lie beneath overhanging trees, where insects and fruit fall into the water, and will take almost any food that drifts past.
Status
Least Concern, widespread and common.
Chub: common questions
What do chub eat?
They eat almost anything, including insects, crayfish, snails, small fish, and fruit such as cherries and elderberries that fall into the water.
Why is the chub hard to catch?
It is a famously shy fish that bolts for cover at the slightest shadow or vibration.
How big do chub grow?
They can reach around 60 cm in length and several kilograms in weight.
Where is the chub found?
It lives in clean, moderately flowing rivers across most of Europe and parts of western Asia.