Fin's Fish Guide
The Brassy minnow (Hybognathus hankinsoni) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 10 cm.
Description
The brassy minnow is a small minnow (Leuciscidae) from North America. The species is small and slender with a silvery body that can show a brassy sheen. It inhabits cool pools of sluggish, clear creeks and small rivers, usually over sand or gravel. With its long gut it digests mainly plant matter: it scrapes algae, diatoms and detritus from the bottom. It is a prey fish. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Brassy minnow?
The Brassy minnow has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Coppery sheen and a long gut; mainly scrapes plant material from the bottom.
Where does the Brassy minnow live?
The Brassy minnow lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America; cool pools of slow streams.
How big does the Brassy minnow get?
The Brassy minnow grows to a maximum of about 10 cm. On average the species is around 8 cm.
Is the Brassy minnow dangerous to humans?
No, the Brassy minnow is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Brassy minnow edible?
The Brassy minnow is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Hybognathus
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Brassy minnow?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Brassy minnow is one of 12,519 species in the app.