Brassy Minnow Hybognathus hankinsoni
This species was found at 241 bioassessment sites, 19 rapid fish bioassessment sites, 55 fisheries assessment sites, and 2 fisheries presence-only assessment sites. In total, it was collected at 309 distinct sites, or 20.3% of the 1522 total sites monitored by the bioassessment program. It is the 28th most commonly collected species.
The Brassy Minnow was collected in 389 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 10,835 individual Brassy Minnow specimens, ranking it the #31 most collected fish.
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.
Photo by Samuel Nutting
Photo by Samuel Nutting
Photo by John Olson. Walnut Creek, Neal Smith NWR, Jasper County Iowa
Photo Credit John Olson
HUC12 watersheds where this species has been found