Most Unwanted: Chub
Leuciscus cephalus
Habitat: Freshwater
Threat: Competes with native fish species
Status: Established
What is it?
The chub is a slender-bodied member of the carp family that reaches an average length of 30-45 cm (1.0-1.5kg) although fish of up to 80cm (circa 7.5kg) are known from the continent. Its scales are relatively large, bordered with black or grey, and their colour varies from grey-brown tinged with green along the back; to the lighter colour of the flanks which often have a golden hue, blending into the white of the belly. The rounded fins are a rich red in colour and they have relatively few rays. The mouth is wide and lacks barbels.
Habitat
Chub are generally present in rivers with a moderate flow and occasionally in lakes.
Impact
The potential impacts of chub on the Irish economy and environment can be summarised as follows:
• The potential associated introduction of fish diseases and parasites.
• Competition with native fish, especially salmon parr and trout.
• Hybridisation with other related species.
• A reduction in the quality of Irish game (salmonid), and potentially coarse fisheries.
• A reduction in the distinctiveness of the Irish freshwater fish fauna.
• Unpredictable and potentially wide-ranging ecological impacts.
• Economic impacts arising from the decline of Irish salmonid fisheries.
Where is it from?
The chub (Leuciscus cephalus) is an abundant and widespread fish in Europe ranging from the north-east of Spain to the Ural basin, and from the south of Sweden to Italy. In Britain, it can be found in rivers throughout England and Wales as well as still waters to which it has been introduced for angling purposes.
Where is it now?
There are no reported incidences of chub introductions to waters outside of their natural range other than to Ireland. The species is now known from the River Inny in the Shannon River system.
How did it get here?
Intentional introduction by anglers.
How does it spread?
The species is highly mobile and can spread through the river system.
Anglers may also introduce new populations to additional water bodies.
What you can do?
Do not introduce non native fish species.
Do not move species of fish from one waterbody to another.
Do not use live bait in river systems.
Report all sightings.
Additional information
Click here to download the Chub managment plan.
What is it?
The chub is a slender-bodied member of the carp family that reaches an average length of 30-45 cm (1.0-1.5kg) although fish of up to 80cm (circa 7.5kg) are known from the continent. Its scales are relatively large, bordered with black or grey, and their colour varies from grey-brown tinged with green along the back; to the lighter colour of the flanks which often have a golden hue, blending into the white of the belly. The rounded fins are a rich red in colour and they have relatively few rays. The mouth is wide and lacks barbels.
Habitat
Chub are generally present in rivers with a moderate flow and occasionally in lakes.
Impact
The potential impacts of chub on the Irish economy and environment can be summarised as follows:
• The potential associated introduction of fish diseases and parasites.
• Competition with native fish, especially salmon parr and trout.
• Hybridisation with other related species.
• A reduction in the quality of Irish game (salmonid), and potentially coarse fisheries.
• A reduction in the distinctiveness of the Irish freshwater fish fauna.
• Unpredictable and potentially wide-ranging ecological impacts.
• Economic impacts arising from the decline of Irish salmonid fisheries.
Where is it from?
The chub (Leuciscus cephalus) is an abundant and widespread fish in Europe ranging from the north-east of Spain to the Ural basin, and from the south of Sweden to Italy. In Britain, it can be found in rivers throughout England and Wales as well as still waters to which it has been introduced for angling purposes.
Where is it now?
There are no reported incidences of chub introductions to waters outside of their natural range other than to Ireland. The species is now known from the River Inny in the Shannon River system.
How did it get here?
Intentional introduction by anglers.
How does it spread?
The species is highly mobile and can spread through the river system.
Anglers may also introduce new populations to additional water bodies.
What you can do?
Do not introduce non native fish species.
Do not move species of fish from one waterbody to another.
Do not use live bait in river systems.
Report all sightings.
