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

Ozark Minnow Miniellus nubilus

Family
Leuciscidae (Minnows)
Tolerance
Sensitive
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 29 bioassessment sites, 1 rapid fish bioassessment site, 17 fisheries assessment sites, and 0 fisheries presence-only assessment sites. In total, it was collected at 45 distinct sites, or 3% of the 1513 total sites monitored by the bioassessment program. It is the 71st most commonly collected species.

The Ozark Minnow was collected in 78 bioassessment sampling sessions and 92 fisheries assessment sessions. It was present in 1 rapid bioassessment session and 0 presence-only sessions.

The biological assessment program has collected a total of 6,646 individual Ozark Minnow specimens, ranking it the #38 most collected fish.

Species Characteristics

The body is dusky above with dull, silvery sides and silvery-white belly. A dark lateral band starts on the tip of the snout and ends in a faint spot at the end of the caudal peduncle. The terminal mouth is slightly oblique and has no barbel. Prominent eyes look large in proportion to the head. The complete lateral line has 36 to 38 scales. Dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins have 8 rays, while the pectoral fins vary from 13 to 15 rays. Short, hooked pharyngeal teeth are arranged in a 4-4 formula. The long intestine is coiled, unlike most species, and the peritoneum is black.

Species Distribution Maps

HUC12 watersheds where this species has been found