Umpqua Chub

Oregonichthys kalawatseti

Leuciscidae · freshwater water fish

2 minute read · Species guide

Umpqua Chub field guide illustration

About Umpqua Chub

The Umpqua chub or Umpqua Oregon chub (Oregonichthys kalawatseti) is a species of freshwater ray-finned fish beloinging to the family Leuciscidae, the shiners, daces and minnows. It is found only in the Umpqua River and partially in its tributaries (North Umpqua, South Umpqua, Smith River, Calapooya, Cow Creek, and Ollala Creek), Oregon in the United States, making it an endemic species to that watershed. While geographic populations are split into six regions, genetic studies suggest that there are four genetically distinct populations: Smith River, Elk Creek, Calapooya Creek-Olalla Creek, and Cow Creek-South Umpqua River.

Ecology

Umpqua chub generally inhabit slower moving waters. When found in faster waters, they typically reside close to banks in small pools and side-channels under riparian vegetation. Dietary habits for Umpqua chub are relatively unknown. In a sample of 20 individuals from the Calapooya River, a gut analysis showed traces of infaunal Chironomids, epifaunal Dytiscids, Ephemeroptera, and sand. Umpqua Chub populations are, overall, in decline. Introduced Smallmouth bass are presumed to be the cause of this decline for a variety of reasons (direct predation, competition, etc.).

Identification

Umpqua Chub are typically less than 65 mm (2.6 in) (Fork Length). They have a dark brown lateral line. Above the lateral line is a peppering of brown scales that extends from the caudal peduncle to the nose of the fish. Umpqua chub have a distinctive upside-down heart shaped mark on top of their head behind their eyes. Umpqua chub have a terminal mouth and a lightly forked caudal fin.

Article text: Wikipedia contributors, Umpqua chub (source revision). Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Retrieved 2026-10-11.

Range

Where it lives

Share of 53 GBIF observation records with a state location, across 1 states.
0%
100%
Share of 53 GBIF observation records with a state location, across 1 states.

Share of records by state

Habitat

Water and movement

Water
WoRMS records this species in fresh water.
Migration
Undetermined

Classification

Taxonomy

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Superclass
Actinopterygii
Class
Teleostei
Order
Cypriniformes
Genus
Oregonichthys
Species
Oregonichthys kalawatseti
ITIS TSN
201929
WoRMS AphiaID
1011268
GBIF key
2366363

Common questions about Umpqua Chub

What is the scientific name of Umpqua Chub?
The scientific name is Oregonichthys kalawatseti, in the family Leuciscidae. Classification follows ITIS.
Does Umpqua Chub live in fresh water or salt water?
WoRMS records this species in fresh water.
Where has Umpqua Chub been recorded in the United States?
GBIF has observations in 1 states, with the most records in Oregon. The map shows observation records, which do not establish the complete natural range.

Closest relatives

Other Oregonichthys species

Same family

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