Silver chub populations are scattered throughout Iowa streams, but this species is most frequently found in the Mississippi, Des Moines, Skunk, and Nishnabotna rivers, where they are occasional to common in collections. The only lake record is from Black Hawk Lake.

The silver chub is a large, slender minnow with large fins and eyes. A small, horizontal mouth has a barbel present at the corner of the jaw. Hooked pharyngeal teeth are arranged in the formula 1, 4-4, 1, but variations are found. The complete lateral line contains from 37 to 40 scales. Body color varies from green on the back with purple reflections to bright silvery on the belly. A greenish colored lateral band runs along the sides from behind the gill covers to the caudal fin. The dorsal fin is inserted in advance of the pelvic fin and contains 8 rays, as do the anal and pelvic fins. The pectoral fins contain 17 rays, and the caudal fin has a distinct, light ventral margin.

Silver chubs spend much of their time inhabiting semi-turbid water in strong current over sand and gravel bottoms. Young chubs feed on zooplankton, and the adults consume insect larvae and chironomids. Adults may reach over 8 inches in length. Spawning occurs from April through June.

*Mayhew, J. (editor). 1987. Iowa Fish and Fishing. Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Des Moines, Iowa. 323 pp.