The Remarkable Recovery of the Virgin River Chub

By Virgin River Program | December 1, 2023
A person holding a fish in their hands.

Desert Denizen Beautiful and elusive, the Virgin River Chub is the top native predator in the Virgin River. It is a fast, streamlined fish with a sloped forehead, humped back, and thin, rounded tail. Chub can grow to a length of 18 inches and live more than 10 years in the wild. Collaborative Conservation Unfortunately,…

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Charting New Waters: The Virgin Spinedace’s Path to Recovery

By Virgin River Program | November 8, 2023
A person holding a small fish in their hands.

The Virgin Spinedace (Lepidomeda mollispinis) is a unique minnow species found exclusively in the Virgin River’s upper streams across Utah, Arizona, and Nevada. Despite not being closely related to trout, the Virgin Spinedace shares a similar streamlined shape and lifestyle. These silvery fish, typically 3-5 inches long, are most at home in the deeper pools…

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Don’t Ditch a Fish!

By Virgin River Program | August 8, 2023
A fish that is in the water with bubbles.

One small action can turn into an ecosystem’s worst nightmare Have you ever had a pet fish? The underwater world has captivated people for generations, and aquatic pets have become increasingly popular. Owning a fish can be a low-maintenance, inexpensive addition to your family. However, incorrectly discarded pets can cause severe environmental damage. The Utah…

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