Published: July 15, 2020
Great plains minnow

±á²â²ú´Ç²µ²Ô²¹³Ù³ó³Ü²õÌý±è±ô²¹³¦¾±³Ù³Ü²õ, also known as theÌýplainsÌýminnow, is a fish that inhabits many shallow river channels with the Great Plains states. The etymology behind the genus and species name are Greek for swollen jaw (Hybognathus) and broad surface (placitus). Fun fact, UCM 342 was collected by Junius Henderson, the first curator of theÌýCU Museum, along with earlyÌýichthyologistÌýMax Ellis. The plains minnow typically lives in schools of fish at the bottom of the shallow river channels. Some characteristics of theÌýplainsÌýminnow include 14-22 scales that span their stomach and a triangular skull.ÌýÌý

Scientists can tell the differenceÌýbetween males and female plains minnow individuals. Males have larger dorsal fin rays than females, which is one immediate indicate to distinguish between the males and the females. The males also have bigger skulls than their female counterparts. FemalesÌýhave longer trunks and an overall deeper body which is most likely due to reproduction. Furthermore, the maximum size of theÌýplainsÌýminnow is 130 mm (5.12 inches) in length. For the lifespan of theÌýplainsÌýminnow, they sexually mature during their first year of life and die after reproducing in their second year during typically summer months. The method ofÌýreproduction for theÌýplainsÌýminnow consists of scattering their eggs downstream in the channel. The plains minnow feed on small microorganisms such as diatoms and different microflora among the channel’s seafloors.


Common name: Plains minnow
Scientific name:Ìý±á²â²ú´Ç²µ²Ô²¹³Ù³ó³Ü²õÌý±è±ô²¹³¦¾±³Ù³Ü²õ
Catalog number: UCM 342
Label data: Colorado, Sedgwick County South Platte, Julesburg
Collectors: Junius Henderson and Max Mapes EllisÌý

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Taylor, C.M., and R.J. Miller. 1990. Reproductive ecology and population structure of theÌýplainsÌýminnow,Ìý±á²â²ú´Ç²µ²Ô²¹³Ù³ó³Ü²õÌý±è±ô²¹³¦¾±³Ù³Ü²õÌý(Pisces:ÌýCyprinidae), in central Oklahoma. American Midland Naturalist 123(1):32-39