Identification and Size
Compared with the related Alvord Chub, this fish has a larger head and a more slender tail base. Its lateral line is incomplete. The reported maximum total length is 11 cm, approximately 4.3 inches. A dependable maximum body weight was not verified.
Habitat
The small, hot-spring-fed lake includes silty bottom habitat, and fish favor shallow margins. Water temperature varies within the lake rather than remaining uniform. Cooler vents, outflows and margin areas can offer refuge when other parts become too warm.
Natural Food and Reproduction
Young and adults have similar, flexible diets that include insects, algae, mollusks, worms and other small items. Both sexes can mature within a year. Spawning is mainly associated with spring, although it can occur at other times.
Conservation History
The species was removed from the federal endangered-species list in 2020 following recovery. Continued habitat management remains part of that recovery story. Its specialized habitat and tiny natural range make this an observation and conservation profile, without a recreational bait recommendation.
Heat Tolerance Still Has Limits
Living beside hot springs does not mean choosing the hottest water. The chub can move into relatively cooler areas, and temperature-related mortality has occurred. Its survival depends on the patchwork of conditions within this small lake system.
All Lakes With Borax Lake Chub
Browse all lakes and reservoirs with confirmed Borax Lake Chub records in our database, listed alphabetically.
No published lakes are currently linked to this species in our confirmed records.