Fin's Fish Guide
The Eastern silvery minnow (Hybognathus regius) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 15 cm.
North America; Atlantic coastal plain, slow-flowing streams and rivers.
Description
The eastern silvery minnow is a North American cyprinid of the Atlantic coastal plain. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a slender, bright silvery body with a small, downward-facing mouth and a long gut, characteristic of a plant and detritus feeder. It inhabits pools and backwaters of low-gradient creeks and small to large rivers. As an open-substrate spawner it scatters its eggs over the bottom without parental care. The fish lives in schools and is an important prey for predatory fishes. The eastern silvery minnow is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Eastern silvery minnow?
The Eastern silvery minnow has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Small inferior mouth and long gut for a plant and detritus eater; open-substrate spawner.
Where does the Eastern silvery minnow live?
The Eastern silvery minnow lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. North America; Atlantic coastal plain, slow-flowing streams and rivers.
How big does the Eastern silvery minnow get?
The Eastern silvery minnow grows to a maximum of about 15 cm. On average the species is around 9 cm.
Is the Eastern silvery minnow dangerous to humans?
No, the Eastern silvery minnow is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Eastern silvery minnow edible?
The Eastern silvery 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 Eastern silvery minnow?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Eastern silvery minnow is one of 12,519 species in the app.