Creek Chub

Semotilus atromaculatus is distinguished by having the following characters: body barely compressed at front, compressed at caudal peduncle; mouth pointed; 47-65 scales on lateral line; dorsal fin with 8 rays; large black spot at front of dorsal fin base, black caudal spot (not distinct in large individuals); large terminal mouth reaching past front of eye. Coloration consists of gray-brown above, dark stripe along back; herringbone lines on upper side in young; dusky black stripe (darkest on young) along olive-silver side, around snout and onto upper lip; black bar along back of gill cover; and orange at dorsal base, orange lower fins, blue on side of head, pink on lower half of head and body, and 6-12 large tubercles on head in breeding males (Ref. 86798).

Male digs a pit in the stream bottom by removing mouthful of gravel, guards the pit and attempts to attract females. Spawning occurs over the pit. Male guards the nest from intruders. As eggs are deposited in the pit, the male covers them with stones and excavates another pit immediately downstream. As spawning continues and the male covers the eggs, a long ridge of gravel develops.

Dorsal soft rays (total): 8

Inhabits rocky and sandy pools of headwaters, creeks and small rivers. One of the most common fishes in eastern North America (Ref. 5723).

Inhabits rocky and sandy pools of headwaters, creeks and small rivers (Ref. 5723, 86798). Mostly found in tiny, intermittent streams. Young feed on small aquatic invertebrates while adults consume small fish, crayfish and other large invertebrates (Ref. 10294). One of the most common fishes in eastern North America (Ref. 86798).