Humpback Chub
Humpback Chub distinguished by their pronounced hump behind the head. Greenish back. Silver sides. White belly. Snout overhangs lip.
About This Species
The humpback chub is a remarkable member of the minnow family that is green to silver and white with an abrupt hump behind the head. They grow to about 18 inches in length.
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Range
The historic range of the humpback is similar to the pikeminnow, occurring in great numbers throughout the Colorado River system from Green River in Wyoming to the Gulf of California in Mexico. Today, they can be found in deep, canyon-bound portions of the Colorado River system such as Black Rocks and Westwater canyons on the Colorado River and Yampa Canyon inside Dinosaur National Monument.
Habitat
The humpback prefers deep, fast-moving, turbid waters often associated with large boulders and steep cliffs.
Diet
Humpback chubs feed predominantly on small aquatic insects, diatoms and filamentous algae.
Reproduction
Spawning occurs between April and July during high flows from snowmelt. During breeding, males develop red tinges on the venter and cheeks.