Streamline Chub
(Erimystax dissimilis)
The streamline chub is an indicator of good water quality in medium to large rivers. The streamline chub gets its name from its streamline, long, and slender body shape.
Description
The streamline chub is a small species of chub with no markings on the fins and a single small barbel in each of the rear corners of its mouth. They have a sub-terminal (ending below tip of snout) mouth and a very long slender body shape which gives it the "streamline" part of its name. The streamline chub differs from the closely related gravel chub by having a series of 7-11 distinct dark dashes along its side, a more long and slender body, and bright silvery sides rather than light straw brown body coloration.
Habitat and Habits
Streamline chub are found in medium to large streams and rivers in the Ohio River basin of Ohio. They are highly intolerant of clayey silt and other pollutants making them a good indicator of high quality streams. They are found in areas of swift current often above or below a riffle in 1-4 feet of water over a clean gravel bottom. They are often found in slightly smaller streams than the closely related gravel chub. Streams with good populations of streamline chub in Ohio include the Kokosing River and Big Darby Creek.
Reproduction and Care of the Young
Streamline chub likely spawn in spring or early summer but little is known about their reproductive biology.