The Chub is a large fish, often reaching 80 cm in length and over 3 kg in weight. It has a large, wide mouth and a long, cylindrical body with large scales, which are edged in grey or black. The dorsal and caudal fins are greyish-green, whilst the rounded anal fin and the pelvic fins are orange red. It lives in all types of running water from the lower reaches of the trout zone to the lowlands. It usually seeks out shallow waters with a hard bed but can also be found in stagnant waters. It feeds on small invertebrates, insects, small fish, frogs and crayfish, but also eats small fruit which has fallen into the water, and which is occasionally used as bait by anglers. It spawns from April to June on aquatic vegetation and stones. Young chub are gregarious creatures as opposed to older specimens, which are often loners. '
This fish can be found in an area stretching from southern Scotland, eastern Wales, and England to the Urals. However, it does not occur in Ireland, Denmark, northern Scandinavia and the Mediterranean islands. It has several subspecies in Europe and its local commercial value is quite substantial as it is caught in, all types of nets. Anglers catch it by using plugs, small fish, worms, bread and fruit.
Maximum size and weight: 80 cm, 4 kg.
Identifying characteristics: Mouth large and wide, anal fin edge rounded, scales with dark edging, forming web-like pattern on the body.
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