Description
Native to Arizona. Body is thick and streamlined, dark olive-gray above
with silver sides. Mouth extends to front of eye. Dorsal fin and anal
fin usually have 8 to10 rays. Large forked tail fin. Breeding males
develop red or orange coloration on lower half of cheek and bases of
paired fins. Length: 8 to 18 inches. Weight: 4 ounces to over 3 pounds.
Location and
Habitat
Found in moderate-sized, perennial rivers throughout the state. Fish occupy
pools and eddies, often concentrating in swift swirling water below rapids.
Food
They feed on algae, aquatic and terrestrial insects, and fish.
Angling
Roundtail chubs readily take artificial lures and bait and put up a strong
fight. Effective lures and bait include, small spinners, spoons, flies,
worms and crickets. Fishing with ultra-lite tackle and light line is an
exciting way to fish for roundtail chub on an Arizona river.
Table
Quality
The meat is firm, white and very mild tasting. Intermuscular bones or floating
bones are present, which can be cut out prior to cooking.
