Colorado Pikeminnow
The Colorado pikeminnow is the largest minnow in North America and is an endangered, native fish of the Colorado River thought to have evolved more than 3 million years ago. Called the “white salmon” by early settlers due to its migratory behavior, the Colorado pikeminnow has a torpedo-shaped body and a large, toothless mouth. It has an olive-green and gold back and a silvery-white belly.
About This Species
Colorado pikeminnow can live up to 40 years and were historically known to grow to nearly 6 feet long and weigh 80 pounds. Today, researchers commonly see adult Colorado pikeminnow that are 2 to 3 feet in length.
Protecting the Colorado Pikeminnow
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Range
Colorado pikeminnow were once abundant in the main stem of the Colorado River and most of its major tributaries in Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada and California. Today, two wild populations of Colorado pikeminnow are found in the Upper Colorado River Basin – one in the upper Colorado River system and one in the Green River system. The San Juan River Basin Recovery Implementation Program continues to stock Colorado pikeminnow to develop a separate, self-sustaining population.
Habitat
The species thrives in swift flowing muddy rivers with quiet, warm backwaters.
Diet
Young Colorado pikeminnow feed on insects and plankton, whereas adults feed mostly on fish.
The Colorado pikeminnow was the Colorado River’s top predator in the early 1900s and has been known to take anglers’ bait in the form of mice, birds, and even small rabbits, despite that its only “teeth” are found on a bony, circular structure located deep within its throat. This fish also readily strikes lures and live bait used to catch sport fish or nonnative fish.
Reproduction
The species are known for long-distance spawning migrations of more than 200 miles in late spring and early summer. They spawn over riffle areas with gravel or cobble substrate. Eggs are randomly splayed onto the bottom and usually hatch in less than one week. They are capable of reproducing at 5 to 7 years of age.