Brassy Minnow

Adult brassy minnows are 2 ½–3 inches in length and are variously described in color, perhaps due to geographic differences or changes that occur through preservation of specimens. The majority of descriptions include a brassy color on the sides. The enters of their large eyes are even with the tips of their snouts.

Brassy Minnow illustration By Ellen Edmondson And Hugh Crisp

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About This Species

Brassy minnows (Hybognathus hankinsoni, Family Cyprinidae) are small native fish of the
Colorado plains. They inhabit pools and channels within small streams.

Protecting the Brassy Minnow

More Information:

Range

Brassy minnows range from Canada south to Colorado and Utah and from Montana through northeast North America. In Colorado, they are found in the Lower South Platte River Basin and also in the backwaters of the Colorado River.

Habitat

Brassy minnows occupy stream channels (particularly pools), back waters, and beaver ponds.

Diet

The diet of brassy minnows consists primarily of plankton.

Additional Information

Conservation Status

Brassy minnows occur in low numbers and are listed as a Tier 1 Species of Greatest Conservation Need (CPW 2015).

Fish
Hybognathus hankinsoni
State Threatened