# Chub (*Squalius cephalus*) The European chub, Squalius cephalus, is an omnivorous freshwater fish native to Europe and parts of the Middle East. Older accounts often use the name Leuciscus cephalus. - **Category:** [Fish](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/fish) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Habitat:** Freshwater rivers and streams; populations also occur in some canals. - **Also known as:** Common Chub ![Chub](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771424557/objects/4689.jpg) ## Appearance It has a rounded, elongated body, a broad blunt head and a large mouth. The body is greenish or dusky silver, sometimes with a bronze sheen, and some fins have a reddish tinge. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Teleostei - **Order:** Cypriniformes - **Family:** Leuciscidae - **Genus:** Squalius - **Species:** Squalius cephalus ## Interesting facts - In Britain they spawn in spring and summer, with the Canal & River Trust describing spawning when water reaches about 14°C. Females may spawn several times with different males, scattering eggs among gravel and vegetation. - Older accounts often call this fish Leuciscus cephalus. - They can gather in large shoals, sometimes visible near the surface of rivers, streams and canals. ## Diet & Feeding They eat both animal and plant material, including aquatic insects and their larvae, worms, molluscs, small fish, fish eggs, berries and seeds. Their large mouths allow them to take a varied range of foods. - **Primary Foods:** Aquatic insects and larvae, Worms, Molluscs, Small fish, Fish eggs, Berries, Seeds - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Traits - [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [Omnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/omnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter. - [Freshwater](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/freshwater): Freshwater habitats include non-saline aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, vital for numerous species. - [Aquatic](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/aquatic): Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands. ## Collections - [Fish](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/fish) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Watch from the bank with an adult. Stay away from deep or fast-flowing water and do not try to catch wild fish. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is a European chub? The European chub, Squalius cephalus, is an omnivorous freshwater fish native to Europe and parts of the Middle East. Older accounts often use the name Leuciscus cephalus. ### How can a European chub be recognised? It has a rounded, elongated body, a broad blunt head and a large mouth. The body is greenish or dusky silver, sometimes with a bronze sheen, and some fins have a reddish tinge. ### How is a European chub different from a dace? A chub generally has a broader mouth and a rounder, more robust body. Dace are more slender, with duller fins. Young chub can still be difficult to distinguish, so several features should be compared together. ### How long is a European chub? The British Wildlife Trusts profile gives a length of 30–40 cm, while the Canal & River Trust lists about 40 cm. Individual size depends on age and growing conditions. ### How much does a European chub weigh? The Canal & River Trust’s British species profile gives 4–5 lb, about 1.8–2.3 kg. Larger individuals occur, so this is not a maximum weight. ### How long do European chub live? The Wildlife Trusts and Canal & River Trust give a lifespan of about 14–20 years in their British species accounts. ### What do European chub eat? They eat both animal and plant material, including aquatic insects and their larvae, worms, molluscs, small fish, fish eggs, berries and seeds. Their large mouths allow them to take a varied range of foods. ### Where do European chub live? They occur in rivers and streams and also thrive in some canals where they have been introduced. In Britain they are widespread in lowland England. Overhanging vegetation and tree roots can provide cover. ### Do European chub swim in groups? They can gather in large shoals, sometimes visible near the surface of rivers, streams and canals. ### How do European chub reproduce? In Britain they spawn in spring and summer, with the Canal & River Trust describing spawning when water reaches about 14°C. Females may spawn several times with different males, scattering eggs among gravel and vegetation. ### What eats European chub? Pike and fish-eating birds are among their predators. ## More Fish - [Rainbow Trout](https://www.snappit.app/explore/rainbow-trout) (*Oncorhynchus mykiss*) - [Brown Trout](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-trout) (*Salmo trutta*) - [Brook Trout](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brook-trout) (*Salvelinus fontinalis*) - [Lake Trout](https://www.snappit.app/explore/lake-trout) (*Salvelinus namaycush*) --- Source: [Chub: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/chub)