Fin's Fish Guide
The Cutlips minnow (Exoglossum maxillingua) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 16 cm.
Fresh water of eastern North America, in clear, flowing rivers and streams with gravel and stony bottoms.
Description
The cutlips minnow is a stocky cyprinid of the family Leuciscidae reaching about 16 cm. The brownish body has a remarkable three-part lower lip: a hard, bony middle section flanked by a fleshy lobe on each side, from which the species takes its name. With it the fish scrapes and prises prey from the bottom. The species is native to the fresh water of eastern North America and lives in clear, flowing rivers and streams with gravel and stone bottoms. On the bottom it eats insect larvae, small molluscs and crustaceans; it is known for nipping the eyes of other fish. In late spring the male builds a gravel mound nest with its mouth and guards the eggs.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Cutlips minnow?
The Cutlips minnow has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Stocky cyprinid with a remarkable three-part lower lip: a bony middle section with a fleshy lobe on either side.
Where does the Cutlips minnow live?
The Cutlips minnow lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Fresh water of eastern North America, in clear, flowing rivers and streams with gravel and stony bottoms.
How big does the Cutlips minnow get?
The Cutlips minnow grows to a maximum of about 16 cm. On average the species is around 11 cm.
Is the Cutlips minnow dangerous to humans?
No, the Cutlips minnow is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Cutlips minnow edible?
The Cutlips 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 Exoglossum
More from the family Cyprinidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Cutlips minnow is one of 12,519 species in the app.