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sicklefin chub
sicklefin chub (Macrhybopsis meeki) Photo © Uland Thomas
Features and Behaviors
FEATURES
The sicklefin chub has small eyes and a small mouth. Its fins are long and sickle-shaped. The pectoral fin is long enough to reach past the base of the pelvic fin. There is a small barbel in each corner of the mouth. The back and upper sides are yellow-brown. The lower sides and belly are silver-white. The lower lobe of the caudal fin is darker than the upper lobe. Adults range from about two and one-half to four and one-fourth inches in length. Teeth are present in the throat.
BEHAVIORS
This species lives in the main channel of the Mississippi River where there is a strong current and turbid water. Some external taste buds are present. Its habits are not well known. Spawning probably occurs in spring.
Illinois Range
Taxonomy
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Leuciscidae
Illinois Status: uncommon, native
