Chub

The chub is a stocky river fish found across much of northern Eurasia, often lurking in shaded spots along the bank. It can grow up to 60 cm and 8 kg, though most are far smaller.

Also known as: european chub

It resembles other stocky river fish, but a close look at its flank scales shows the black edging forming a fine net-like pattern, which most similar species lack.

It has a stocky, cylindrical body and a large, rounded head. Its scales are greenish-brown and edged with black, paling to gold on the flanks and almost white on the belly. The tail is dark brown to black, the dorsal fin is greyish-green, and the rest of the fins are orange-red.

It lives in rivers and streams across northern Eurasia, favouring riffles and pools in small to medium rivers, though it also turns up in slow lowland rivers, lakes, and mountain streams. Adults tend to live alone, while young fish gather in shoals in shallow water near the shore.

This species is listed as Least Concern. Studies have found microplastic fibres and metal pollution, including copper, in chub tissue, with young fish carrying especially high metal levels.

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  Bleak

  Alburnus alburnus

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  Common Rudd

  Scardinius erythrophthalmus

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  Gudgeon

  Gobio gobio

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  Roach

  Rutilus rutilus

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  Tench

  Tinca tinca