The Pugnose Minnow…a Species at Risk

This species has been identified as Special Concern by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) and it is listed under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA). Under SARA, a management plan has been developed for this species. This species also has the general protection given by the habitat protection provisions sections of the Fisheries Act.

General Description

Opsopoeodus emiliae

© J.R.Tomelleri

The Pugnose Minnow (Opsopoeodus emiliae) is a member of the Minnow family (Cyprinidae) and has the following characteristics:

• Body small, slender and elongate;
• Average size of adult approximately 50 mm long;
• Head bluntly rounded;
• Mouth very small and nearly vertical;
• Silvery-coloured with a distinct black lateral band along each side, translucent straw colour or olive overtones;
• Scales on back and sides distinctly outlined; and
• Many small, sharp nuptial tubercles around the mouth on breeding males.

Distribution

The Pugnose Minnow lives in central North America in the rivers and streams of the Mississippi River basin and is widespread in the southern United States. In Canada, small populations are limited to southwestern Ontario in Lake St. Clair, the Detroit River and the drainages of Lake Erie.

Habitat and Life History

The Pugnose Minnow prefers clear, warm, well-vegetated rivers and creeks with little to no current but may live in more turbid environments. Wetland areas are also used by this species.

In late spring, females lay eggs on the underside of flat surfaces and the males guard the nest and eggs from predators. Up to 120 eggs are laid (in a single layer) per spawning session, which is repeated over six to seven days. This spawning behaviour is unique among North American cyprinids.

Diet

The Pugnose Minnow feeds on zooplankton and larvae of aquatic insects such as midges. Larval fishes and eggs make up a small portion of their diet. The position of the mouth suggests that this species is a midwater or near-surface feeder.

Threats

This species may never have been common in Ontario as it is at the northern limit of its range here. The main threat to the species is loss of clean, well-vegetated habitat. Current threats include increased turbidity, and alteration and destruction of wetlands.

Similar Species

The Pugnose Minnow most resembles the Pugnose Shiner (Notropis anogenus) but without a black peritoneum, transparent dorsal fin, nine dorsal rays, and more lateral line scales. The Bluntnose Minnow (Pimephales notatus) has a more tubular body shape and the forked tail is less distinct.

Text Sources: Trautman 1981; Cudmore and Holm 1997; Scott and Crossman 1998.

For more information, visit the SARA Registry Website at www.SARAregistry.gc.ca.