Quarter Master Reach restoration site.
These Bonytail Chub (Gila elegans) were caught out of an irrigation canal via electrofishing, tag and measured then returned to the river safely as part of an ongoing monitoring and recovery program run by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. The bonytail chub is one of many endangered species found in the Colorado River. Once abundant throughout the Colorado River basins, loss of spawning habitat has meant that this species must now be reared in captivity to pervert it from going extinct.
Caught by a cormorant. Eventually the bird gave up and released it. While it was being tossed around in the air I was able to see the vertical barring on the sides and the concave forehead. Also observed the distinct shape with wide flat body and widely extending anal and dorsal fins.
Quarter Master Reach restoration site.
About 9 inches. Large scales are somewhat iridescent.
Bought off a boat at pillar point near half moon bay.