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Note: Red text
is defined in the Glossary
Description
 The
Spotfin Chub is a small minnow, reaching a maximum size of 92 mm
in length. During the spawning season, males turn a brilliant turquoise-royal
blue; while, juveniles and females remain olive along the back,
silvery on the sides, and white along the belly. Scales are small
and indistinct. All individuals have a distinctive black spot in
the caudal region. The spot near the
posterior margin of the dorsal
fin is usually indistinct.
Distribution
(see map)
Distribution by County: Macon Co. (Little Tennessee River), Swain
Co. (Little Tennessee River). NOTE: All headwater areas that
flow into these occupied habitats should receive special management.
Habitat Preferences
This
species is found in medium to large streams with alternating riffles
and pools. They are found in clear waters with good current. The
substrate varies but is generally free of heavy silt deposition
(Alderman 1997).
Life History
Little is known of the life history of the Spotfin Chub, but they
are believed to live less than 4 years. Based on the timing of color
changes in males, the spawning period is thought to begin in May
and continue into July. This species has been observed spawning
beneath loose rocks over bedrock (McLarney 1988).
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