Diagnostic Description
provided by Fishbase
Body deep and compressed. Head flat. Caudal peduncle slender. Caudal fin large and forked. Angle along base of the anal fin continues into the middle of the caudal fin. Mouth terminal, extending to front of eye. Dark olive-gray above, silver side. Breeding male may develop red or orange on lower half of cheek and paired-fin bases; Lateral line with 71-99 scales, usually more than 78. Dorsal and anal fins with 9 rays. First gill arch with 10 or more rakers. Pharyngeal teeth 2,5-4,2 (Ref. 86798).
Morphology
provided by Fishbase
Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Analsoft rays: 9
Biology
provided by Fishbase
Inhabits rocky runs, sometimes pools, of creeks and small to large rivers as well as impoundments. May hybridize with Gila cypha throughout their shared range except in Yampa River (Ref. 86798).