Identification
A dark zigzag stripe runs from the snout toward the tail. Adult males have conspicuously colored dorsal and anal fins, often blue with orange near the bases and dark outer edges. Female fins are clearer. Despite the catalog common name, this is a killifish rather than a member of the minnow family.
Size and Weight
The current species summary reports a maximum total length of 6 cm, about 2.4 inches, and a common length of 2.9 cm, about 1.1 inches. Some older descriptions give a smaller upper size. No verified maximum individual body weight was established.
Habitat and Natural Food
Plants provide cover in ponds, sloughs, lake margins and quiet stream sections. Individuals commonly swim below the surface. Small invertebrates and plant material contribute to the diet. These foods describe its ecology; no particular angling bait was verified.
Range and Reproduction
Its native distribution is centered on Florida. Introductions have been recorded in other states, although a historical observation does not confirm that a population still exists. Breeding can occur throughout the year in the southern part of the range, with a more seasonal pattern farther north.
A Flash of Color Among the Plants
Territorial males repeatedly expose their fin colors during displays. Watching those movements can reveal an individual that otherwise blends into the vegetation. A still photograph captures only one moment of this shifting display.
All Lakes With Blue-fintop Minnow
Browse all lakes and reservoirs with confirmed Blue-fintop Minnow records in our database, listed alphabetically.
Showing 1–2 of 2 lakes · Page 1 of 1
- Hillside Slough Freestone, TX
- Lake Old Ingram Kerr, TX