The Alvord chub is a small fish, with adults ranging up to 5.5 inches (14 cm) in length, but with many half that size. It is generally grayish-whitish, darker on the back than below, and with a faint band passing down the sides. The dorsal fin has 7 rays, the anal fin 8 rays, and the tail 19 rays. It is similar in many ways to the Borax Lake chub.
Studies of the fish's diet shows it is an opportunistic feeder, consuming a variety of aquatic invertebrates, with a considerable percentage of midge larvae. It occupies a variety of habitats within its range, including waters of depths 3 inches (7.6 cm) to 3 feet (91 cm), different bottoms including gravel and silt, and any amount of cover over the water. It can be found in warm springs, up to 80 °F (27 °C), but not in hot springs.
Although apparently doing well in its location, the species is considered vulnerable because of its very limited range in a fragile environment. Having evolved without any competition, there is concern over the possible effects of exotic fish introduction, whether deliberate or accidental.
Article text: Wikipedia contributors, Alvord chub (source revision). Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Retrieved 2026-10-11.
