General Information

Habitat Requirements

This species occurs in low-velocity waters with well-developed beds of aquatic vegetation, rocks, and undercut banks (Leunda et al. 2005). Vegetation is important for predator avoidance, reproduction, food, and water velocity reduction (McEwan 1990, 1991, Conservation Management Institute 1996, Geologica 2003).

Food Habits

The Owens tui chub is an opportunistic omnivore, consuming aquatic insects, vegetation, and detritus (Cooper 1978; McEwan 1990, 1991). Owens tui chubs feed mainly by gleaning and grazing among submerged vegetation. Its diet varies seasonally (McEwan 1990); the dominant items in its diet are chironomid larvae and algae in spring, chironomid larvae in summer, hydroptilid caddisflies in fall, and chironomid larvae in winter (McEwan 1990, Geologica 2003).

Movement / Home Range

The current distribution of genetically pure Owens Tui Chub is restricted to five, small, isolated sites within their historic range in the Owens Basin: Hot Creek headwaters (now limited to CD Spring), Little Hot Creek Pond, Upper Owens Gorge, Mule Spring, and White Mountain Research Center, operated by the University of California.

Reproductive Strategy

Tui chubs found in constant water temperature springs reach sexual maturity at 2 years of age for females and 1 year for males (McEwan 1989, 1990). Males and females will both reach sexual maturity at age 2 in varied temperature waters. Spawning in spring systems is likely triggered by day length and occurs from late winter to early spring (McEwan 1990). Spawning in riverine and lacustrine or lake-like habitats is triggered by warming water temperatures and occurs in spring and early summer. Spawning typically occurs over gravel substrate or aquatic vegetation, with eggs adhering to these features. Life expectancy is likely several years, with the oldest fish captured estimated at 7 years.