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The Central Mudminnow

Central Mudminnow is a small, mottled wetland fish with an unusual ability to gulp air. Quiet, muddy water and dense vegetation suit it better than the fast riffles favored by many stream minnows.

Identification

A blunt head, rounded tail and dark bar at the tail base help establish its appearance. The head bears scales, the fins lack spines, and there is no lateral line. Its dorsal fin sits well ahead of the anal fin, a useful comparison with similar small fishes.

Life in Quiet Water

Muddy bottoms and thick vegetation provide characteristic cover. Central Mudminnow can use its swim bladder in air breathing, helping explain its association with waters where oxygen conditions may be challenging.

Feeding and Spawning

Insects are important foods, although diet varies with season and locality. Spring spawning involves eggs scattered on vegetation without parental guarding. The broad published maximum is larger than the usual fish described in regional accounts.

A Wetland Specialist

The name mudminnow is a good habitat clue. Record vegetation, bottom material and current when observing this fish; those details help explain the setting.

All Lakes With Central Mudminnow

Browse lakes and reservoirs with documented Central Mudminnow records, listed alphabetically. Records do not establish current abundance or public access. Check the evidence and managing authority for the water you choose.

Showing 1–24 of 863 lakes · Page 1 of 36

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