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Wildlife Plains Minnow Page
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 Photo by: John Woodling |
Plains Minnow
Hybognathus placitus
Habitat: Plains minnows prefer main channel areas with some current and sandy bottoms. Not much is known about this species. The minnow eats aquatic plants, probably algae, and likely spawns in the spring. More information regarding the distribution, abundance, and habitat requirements of this species in Colorado is required.
Description: A slender minnow; small subterminal mouth, slightly overhung by snout; dorsal fin pointed, first ray of dorsal fin longer than second or third ray; dorsal and anal fins with 8 rays; lateral line complete, scales with about 10 radii; peritoneum black; intestine long and coiled. Color is like that of the brassy minnow. The maximum length of adults is 5 inches (Cross and Collins 1975).
Range in Colorado: The species is native to Colorado, but currently appears to be very rare. Propst (1982) and Goettl (1981) collected a few specimens from the South Platte mainstem east of Fort Morgan. Cancalosi (1980) collected a few specimens from the Republican Basin. The species has also been reported infrequently from the Great Plains reservoirs in the eastern plains portion of the Arkansas River (C. Bennett, personal communication). Status: State Endangered
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Species Occurrence Tool
(*) NDIS has no county occurrence data for fish at this time.
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