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Minnow

life science Maturity 5-7 Next article →

Minnows are names for many small, fresh water fish.

Anderson Farms in Lonoke, Arkansas
Anderson Farms in Lonoke, Arkansas

They belong to a group called Cyprinidae. Some people in Ireland call them pinkeens.

There are many different types. The bluntnose minnow has a snout that hangs over its mouth. It has a dark line on its side. It can live in many kinds of water. The common shiner lives in streams. It is silver and blue. Males get a rose colored tail when they breed. The emerald shiner has a green band on its body. These fish live in the Great Lakes.

People use minnows for bait. Some people eat them, too. Some Native American cultures have used them for food. You can eat the tiny ones whole.

Anderson Farms in Lonoke, Arkansas
Anderson Farms in Lonoke, Arkansas

Minnows are very good at breeding. They can breed with just a little rain. They can also live in many temperatures. This helps them stay healthy even when the weather changes. Some minnows live in the deep sea. These fish use light to glow in the dark.

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