Fin's Fish Guide
The Stargazing minnow (Phenacobius uranops) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 12 cm.
Description
The stargazing minnow is a small minnow (Leuciscidae) from the eastern United States. The species has an elongate, slender body with upward-pointing eyes, to which the name refers, and an inferior, fleshy mouth. It inhabits gravel and rubble runs and riffles of clear, fast-flowing creeks and small to medium rivers. With its mouth it searches the bottom for dipteran and caddisfly larvae and other small invertebrates. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Stargazing minnow?
The Stargazing minnow has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Upward-directed eyes and an inferior mouth; bottom-forager of fast-flowing gravel rivers.
Where does the Stargazing minnow live?
The Stargazing minnow lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern US; gravel and stone ridges of clear fast-flowing rivers.
How big does the Stargazing minnow get?
The Stargazing minnow grows to a maximum of about 12 cm. On average the species is around 8 cm.
Is the Stargazing minnow dangerous to humans?
No, the Stargazing minnow is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Stargazing minnow edible?
The Stargazing 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 Phenacobius
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Stargazing minnow?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Stargazing minnow is one of 12,519 species in the app.