Gila nigra Cope, 1875
Headwater chub
Gila nigra
photo by Sandra J. Raredon / Smithsonian Institution, NMNH, Div. of Fishes

Family:  Leuciscidae (Minnows), subfamily: Laviniinae
Max. size:  38 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  North America: Gila River system (Colorado River drainage) in New Mexico and Arizona, USA.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-8; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Previously thought to be of hybrid origin and similar to parental Gila robusta and G. intermedia. Dorsal and anal fins with 8 rays; lateral line with 71-90 scales, usually fewer than 80; first gill arch with 10 or more rakers; and often with diffuse stripes on dark gray or brown side, dark fin membranes (Ref. 86798).
Biology:  Inhabits pools and undercut banks of headwaters, creeks and small rivers. Maximum length is presumably about 38 cm TL (Ref. 86798).
IUCN Red List Status: Near Threatened (NT); Date assessed: 09 February 2012 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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