pdf version - South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks

Flathead Chub
Platygobio gracilis
Quick key characteristics: The fl athead chub is found in cool- and warmwater
habitats, primarily in larger streams and rivers. It has small, silver-gray
scales and soft fi ns with short bases. Its large mouth is forward-facing and
somewhat overhung by its snout. Its body is tubular and it has a small barbel
in the corner of the mouth.
Similar species in South Dakota: other minnows, especially silver chub
Identifi cation: The combination of (1) a broad, fl attened, “wedge-shaped”
head, (2) mouth barbel, and (3) long, pointed pectoral fi ns distinguishes the
fl athead chub from similar South Dakota fi shes.
Range: The fl athead chub is native to the plains of central North America
from near the Gulf of Mexico to the Arctic Ocean. It is common in larger
streams of western South Dakota, where it tolerates high turbidity, but was
more widespread historically.
Items of interest:
• Abundant taste buds on barbels, throat, and lower fi ns help it locate
prey
• Feeds primarily on aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates
• Likely important prey for riverine sport fi sh such as catfi sh and sauger
and for species of concern such as
pallid sturgeon
• May exceed 10 in
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