Embedded Files
Species of Great Conservation Need
Description
The Plains Topminnow is olive-brown in color on its back and sides, white below, and reaches a total length of 2-2.5 inches. Its stout body lacks the black bars that are characteristic of the more common Banded Killifish.
It has a stout head with a small mouth and projecting lower jaw. Male Plains Topminnows have red fin edges, blue speckles, and a gold stripe down their back.
Image Courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Habitat Role
Plains Topminnows are found in spring-fed pools and backwaters of clear to moderately turbid creeks and rivers that have a sand or rock bottom and a heavy growth of aquatic plants. Predators likely include larger fish such as bass as well as fish-eating birds.
Little is known about the life history of the Plains Topminnow. It lives singly or in small schools near the surface of the water. Females deposit eggs on aquatic plants, and the eggs hatch in 8-20 days. Plains Topminnows live for up to four years and feed on seed shrimp, small snails, larval midges, and blackflies.
Image Courtesy of Colorado Parks & Wildlife
For more information about the Plains Topminnow visit:
Page updated
Report abuse