Dusky Chub

Girella freminvillii

The Dusky Chub is a reef-associated fish endemic to the Galapagos Islands, typically found at depths ranging from 1 to 12 meters. It can grow up to 45 cm in length and is characterized by its bluish-grey body with a distinctive blackish margin on the gill cover. A notable feature is the white patch located just in front of each eye, which helps in identifying this species among other reef fish. Dusky Chubs are often seen in aggregations, grazing over shallow reefs. They may also mix with schools of other species. Their diet primarily consists of algae, which they scrape off rocks and corals using their fine mat of comb-like, bicuspid and tricuspid teeth. This grazing behavior is a common sight for divers exploring the reefs of the Galapagos. The species is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Divers encountering the Dusky Chub can expect a harmless interaction, as these fish are not known to pose any danger to humans.