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Flame Chub
Scientific name: Hemitremea flammea
Size: To 3 in.
Range: Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee in the Coosa, Cumberland, and Tennessee river systems.
Habitat: Springs and spring runs, typically in aquatic vegetation
Diet: Aquatic invertebrates
Conservation status: Special Concern
These bright red minnows could be found across much of eastern Tennessee in small spring seeps. Unfortunately, the clear spring waters it needs are also highly prized by humans for the high quality water they contain. Because of human habitat alteration, 70% of the fish species that live in springs are now considered in jeopardy, including flame chubs. Because of their conservation status, they are one of the upper Tennessee River fish species we are studying to learn more about their levels of genetic diversity.
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