ExploreFish

Flame Chub

hemitremia flammea

The Flame Chub (Hemitremia flammea) is a captivating freshwater fish native to the southeastern United States, known for the brilliant red-orange coloration displayed by males during breeding season. This small but vibrant member of the minnow family thrives in clear, cool streams and springs, often indicating good water quality in its habitat. Its ecological role as both a consumer of small invertebrates and a prey item for larger fish highlights its importance within stream ecosystems. Despite its striking appearance, the Flame Chub is relatively shy, making it a prized sighting for aquatic enthusiasts and an important species for conservation efforts focused on preserving pristine headwater environments.

Habitat: Found predominantly in clear, cool, relatively swift-flowing small to medium-sized streams, creeks, and spring runs with gravel, rubble, or bedrock substrates, often associated with woody debris.

Appearance

The Flame Chub is a small, slender fish typically growing 5 to 9 cm in length. Its body is generally silvery-tan to olive-brown on the back, fading to a lighter, silvery belly. A distinct dark lateral stripe runs from the snout through the eye to the base of the caudal fin. During the breeding season, males exhibit spectacular coloration, with the lower sides, belly, and fins (especially the caudal and anal fins) developing an intense flame-like orange-red hue. Tubercles, small nuptial bumps, may also appear on the heads of breeding males. The fins are typically clear to yellowish, with a dark spot often present at the base of the caudal fin.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassActinopterygiiOrderCypriniformesFamilyLeuciscidaeGenusHemitremia

Flame Chub

Interesting facts

Despite their small size, their vibrant breeding colors make them one of the most visually striking minnow species in their range.

Flame Chubs are a "coolwater" species, meaning they thrive in water temperatures below 20-22°C (68-72°F) and are sensitive to thermal pollution.

The scientific name "flammea" directly refers to the fiery red coloration observed in breeding males.

They are "nest associates," meaning they sometimes lay their eggs in the nests of other fish, such as creek chubs or hornyhead chubs, which then inadvertently guard the Flame Chub eggs.

Special abilities

Breeding male Flame Chubs develop vivid red-orange coloration on their lower sides and fins, making them highly conspicuous to attract mates during reproduction.

Their strong preference for and reliance on pristine, cool, and oxygenated water makes their presence a natural indicator of good stream health and minimal pollution.

With a small, subterminal mouth, they are adept at picking minute food items, such as insect larvae and algae, from the cracks and surfaces of rocks and gravel on the stream bottom.

Measurements & details

Length: 5-9 cm
Weight: 0.005-0.015 kg
Lifespan: 2-4 years
Top Speed: 10 km/h
Clutch Size: 100-500
Incubation: 3-7 days

Diet & Feeding

Flame Chubs primarily consume small aquatic invertebrates, particularly insect larvae, supplemented with diatoms and other plant material scraped from the substrate.

Primary Foods

Mayfly larvae
Chironomid larvae
Caddisfly larvae
Copepods
Diatoms
Detritus

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Smallmouth Bass

Micropterus dolomieu

Common predator in its habitat.

hunts

Mayfly Nymph

Ephemeroptera spp.

Main food source for the chub.

eaten by

Northern Watersnake

Nerodia sipedon

Common predator of small fish in streams.

competitor

Mottled Sculpin

Cottus bairdi

Competes for similar food resources in shared habitats.

Traits

No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Collections for this object will appear here as more themes are added.

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Flame Chub?

The easiest way to identify Flame Chub is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Flame Chub?

5-9 cm

How much does Flame Chub weigh?

0.005-0.015 kg

How long does Flame Chub live?

2-4 years

How fast can Flame Chub move?

10 km/h

What does Flame Chub eat?

Flame Chubs primarily consume small aquatic invertebrates, particularly insect larvae, supplemented with diatoms and other plant material scraped from the substrate.

Where is Flame Chub usually found?

Found predominantly in clear, cool, relatively swift-flowing small to medium-sized streams, creeks, and spring runs with gravel, rubble, or bedrock substrates, often associated with woody debris.

How does Flame Chub hunt?

Foraging