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Amur minnow (Rhynchocypris lagowskii) — Cyprinidae

Amur minnow

Rhynchocypris lagowskii
Family: Cyprinidae

The Amur minnow (Rhynchocypris lagowskii) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 24 cm.

Length
24 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: China, Japan, Mongolia, Russia

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Description

The Amur minnow is a small minnow (Leuciscidae) from clear rivers and streams of East Asia, including the Amur drainage. The species grows to about 24 cm and has a slender, darkish body with a marbled pattern; in the breeding season males flush with red-orange tones. It lives in schools in cool, flowing water and eats insects, larvae, algae and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Amur minnow?

The Amur minnow has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Amur minnow live?

The Amur minnow lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Asia: China, Japan, Mongolia, Russia

How big does the Amur minnow get?

The Amur minnow grows to a maximum of about 24 cm.

Is the Amur minnow dangerous to humans?

No, the Amur minnow is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

More photos

Amur minnow (Rhynchocypris lagowskii) — Cyprinidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) 红梅, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Amur minnow sourced
Scientific name
Rhynchocypris lagowskii
Family
Cyprinidae
Other names
Lagowski's minnow verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
24.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Marbled sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Asia: China, Japan, Mongolia, Russia sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates, algae and detritus inferred
Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Rhynchocypris

More from the family Cyprinidae

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