Iowa DNR
BioNet
River & Stream Biological Monitoring
Fish and Benthic Macroinvertebrate Surveys
Physical Habitat Assessments

Brassy Minnow Hybognathus hankinsoni

Family
Leuciscidae (Minnows)
Tolerance
Intermediate
Trophic Class
Herbivore
Is Exotic to Iowa?
False
Is Lithophilous Spawner?
False
Is Hybrid?
False
State Listing Status
Not Listed
Assessment Program Statistics

This species was found at 240 bioassessment sites, 19 rapid fish bioassessment sites, 55 fisheries assessment sites, and 2 fisheries presence-only assessment sites. In total, it was collected at 308 distinct sites, or 20.4% of the 1513 total sites monitored by the bioassessment program. It is the 28th most commonly collected species.

The Brassy Minnow was collected in 380 bioassessment sampling sessions and 88 fisheries assessment sessions. It was present in 19 rapid bioassessment sessions and 2 presence-only sessions.

The biological assessment program has collected a total of 10,746 individual Brassy Minnow specimens, ranking it the #31 most collected fish.

Species Characteristics

Elongate in body form and slightly compressed laterally. Body scales have about 20 lines that fan out from the focus of the scale. This feature sets them apart from the Plains, Western, and Silvery minnows, which have 10 radii. Their color is dark dorsally, shading to yellowish-brassy sides, and creamy belly. Breeding males have a brassy hue, hence the origin of the common name. The small mouth, without barbel, is sub-terminal. It has a complete lateral line with 36 to 40 scales. Pharyngeal teeth have grinding surfaces arranged in a 4-4 formula. The intestine is long and coiled, and the peritoneum is black.

Species Distribution Maps

HUC12 watersheds where this species has been found