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ODNR Division of Wildlife - Fishing - Trout Stockings
ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Mississippi Silvery Minnow

Mississippi Silvery Minnow

Mississippi Silvery Minnow
Mississippi silvery minnows are a rather large very bright silver minnow. This species is found in large schools in backwaters and pools of very large rivers.

Mississippi Silvery Minnow
Hybognathus nuchalis

At-a-Glance

• Family: Cyprinidae (Minnows and Carps)

• Other Names: None

• Ohio Status: Endangered

• Adult Size: Typically 3.5-4.5 inches, can reach 6 inches.

• Typical Foods: Primarily dead plant matter and organic debris but also eat some invertebrates.
Description
Mississippi silvery minnows are a rather large minnow that can reach approximately 6 inches. They have a wide dark stripe down the center of the back and very bright silvery sides. The dorsal fin is closer to the head than it is to the tail and comes to a point at the tip. They have no markings on any of the transparent fins. They have 8 anal rays and a complete lateral line. The snout protrudes slightly beyond the mouth. Additionally there is a hard knob on the tip of the lower jaw inside the mouth.

Habitat and Habits 
Mississippi silvery minnows are found in areas with little or no current in pools, creek mouths, or backwaters of large rivers. They swim near the bottom in large schools. This species has historically been found in the Little and Great Miami Rivers near the Ohio River and the lower parts of other nearby Ohio River tributaries such as White Oak Creek. They have become a very rare species in Ohio but may still be present in low numbers.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
Mississippi silvery minnows spawn in early summer by scattering eggs over a soft organic mud bottom. They do not defend territories and provide no parental care for the eggs or young.