Fin's Fish Guide
The Steindachner's minnow (Phoxinus steindachneri) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 12 cm.
Japan (type locality Lake Biwa; eastern Honshu and southern Hokkaido); clear, cool streams and rivers.
Description
Steindachner's minnow is a small cyprinid of the genus Phoxinus from Japan. The species grows to about 12 cm and has a slender, streamlined body with a dark lateral band, typical of minnows. It lives in schools in clear, cool brooks and rivers with flowing water and is an omnivore feeding on small invertebrates, algae and detritus. As a small schooling fish it is an important prey for larger fishes and waterbirds. Owing to its small size the species has no fishery value and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Steindachner's minnow?
The Steindachner's minnow has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Slender minnow body with a dark longitudinal band; schooling fish of clear, cool Japanese streams.
Where does the Steindachner's minnow live?
The Steindachner's minnow lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Japan (type locality Lake Biwa; eastern Honshu and southern Hokkaido); clear, cool streams and rivers.
How big does the Steindachner's minnow get?
The Steindachner's minnow grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.
Is the Steindachner's minnow dangerous to humans?
No, the Steindachner's minnow is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Steindachner's minnow edible?
The Steindachner's minnow is not usually eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Steindachner's minnow?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Steindachner's 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 Phoxinus
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Steindachner's minnow?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Steindachner's minnow is one of 12,519 species in the app.