Fin's Fish Guide
The Sheepshead minnow (Cyprinodon variegatus) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Cyprinodontidae that grows up to 9 cm.
Western Atlantic from the USA to Mexico, in shallow estuaries, salt marshes and lagoons; extremely euryhaline.
Description
The sheepshead minnow is a small, stocky pupfish of the family Cyprinodontidae reaching about 9 cm. The deep body has a blunt head and knob-like teeth in the mouth; breeding males turn steel-blue with a yellow tinge. The species is exceptionally tolerant: it survives temperatures and salinities lethal to most fish, from nearly fresh to extremely salty marsh water. It lives in shallow estuaries, salt marshes and lagoons along the western Atlantic coast from the USA to Mexico. As an omnivore it eats algae, detritus, small crustaceans and insect larvae. For its hardiness it is an important prey fish and mosquito controller and a much-used research animal.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Sheepshead minnow?
The Sheepshead minnow has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Small, stocky toothcarp with a blunt head and knobbed teeth; exceptionally tolerant of extreme temperature and salinity.
Where does the Sheepshead minnow live?
The Sheepshead minnow lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around algae or seagrass beds. Western Atlantic from the USA to Mexico, in shallow estuaries, salt marshes and lagoons; extremely euryhaline.
How big does the Sheepshead minnow get?
The Sheepshead minnow grows to a maximum of about 9 cm. On average the species is around 3 cm.
Is the Sheepshead minnow dangerous to humans?
No, the Sheepshead minnow is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Sheepshead minnow edible?
The Sheepshead minnow is not usually eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Sheepshead minnow?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Sheepshead minnow is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Cyprinodon
More from the family Cyprinodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Sheepshead minnow?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Sheepshead minnow is one of 12,519 species in the app.