Virgin River Chub
Photo Courtesy of Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
Gila seminuda
Other common names: Virgin Chub
NatureServe conservation status
Global (G-rank): G1
State (S-rank): S2
Utah Wildlife Action Plan status
- SGCN
External links
Species range
The Virgin River Chub is endemic to the Virgin River system and occurs in south-central Washington County from Pah Tempe Springs to the state line.
Habitat
"Virgin River chubs are most often associated with deep runs or pool habitats of slow to moderate velocities with large boulders or instream cover, such as root snags. Adults and juveniles are often associated together within these habitats; however, the larger adults are collected most often in the deeper pool habitats within the river" (U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1994). The species usually is found in water 0.6 to 3 ft deep, still to 2.5 ft/sec velocity, with sand substrates and boulders or other cover, and a preferred temperature of about 75 F.
Food habits
The Virgin River Chub is an omnivorous and opportunistic feeder. Its diet shifts from mostly macroinvertebrates for young fish to primarily algae, sediment, and detritus for adults. Adults will also consume other plant matter, as well as crustaceans, dragonfly larvae, and even smaller fish when available.
Reproductive characteristics
Virgin River chubs spawn in late spring to early summer (June and July) in shallow, clear flows with gravel beds, avoiding turbid waters.
Threats or limiting factors
Threats to the Virgin River Chub include: alterations of flow and dewatering of the Virgin River system, degradation of water quality (pollution from agricultural runoff, sewage, etc.), and competition with non-native fish.