Peamouth chub (Mylocheilus)
The peamouth chub is a western minnow native to the Columbia River system and coastal drainages of British Columbia. It also is found in Alberta. It prefers lakes and slow-moving portions of streams and will concentrate where aquatic vegetation is present. Peamouth spawn in shallow water of streams and along lake shores over a gravel or rubble bottom. In late spring, eggs are broadcast on the bottom where they adhere to the substrate. From 5,000 to over 30,000 eggs are produced per female, depending on age and size. This species attains a size of 9 to 12 inches in length. They feed on a variety of small, aquatic invertebrates. Peamouth can be taken on hook and line, but are not sought after by most fishermen. Their young serve as forage for predaceous fishes.