There are over 2,000 known species of minnows. These species vary in size, coloration, habitat preference, and behavior. Some examples of well-known minnow species include the Fathead Minnow, Golden Shiner, and Emerald Shiner.
Minnows are small freshwater fish belonging to the family Cyprinidae, one of the largest fish families that also include common carp, goldfish, chub, bitterling, and barbel. Minnows are characterized by their small size, typically reaching lengths of a few inches, and have slender, elongated bodies. Minnows can be found in various habitats, such as rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds around the world.
Minnows are often used as bait fish for fishing or kept in aquariums due to their small size and active nature.
It’s worth noting that the term “minnow” is a broad and informal label that encompasses a diverse group of small fish. There are numerous species of minnows, and specific characteristics and distributions can vary between species.
Most Common Types of Minnows
Fathead Minnow (Pimephales Promelas)
The Fathead Minnow spans from Canada to Mexico. They are widely distributed throughout the central and eastern parts of the U.S.
Fathead Minnows have a small, robust body with a relatively large head and mouth. They have a rounded shape and typically have olive to dark brown coloration on the upper body, fading to a lighter shade on the lower body.
Fathead Minnows are commonly used as bait fish.
Golden Shiner (Notemigonus Crysoleucas)
The Golden Shiner, also a great bait fish, can be found across the eastern and central parts of the United States and parts of southern Canada.
Golden Shiners have a slender, elongated body with a laterally compressed shape. They have a silvery coloration with a golden or brassy sheen, which gives them their common name.
Bluntnose Minnow (Pimephales Notatus)
Bluntnose Minnows have a relatively small and cylindrical body with a blunt snout, which gives them their common name. They are silver with dark vertical bars along their sides.
They are often used as bait fish.
Emerald Shiner (Notropis Atherinoides)
Emerald Shiners have a greenish hue on their back. They also have a silver or white underside.
They are valued as bait due to their availability, attractiveness to game fish, and their ability to survive in bait buckets or live wells.
Spotfin Shiner (Cyprinella Spiloptera)
Spotfin Shiners are widely distributed in the U.S. They have a distinctive black spot at the base of the dorsal fin. They may also have dark lateral stripes along their body.
Spotfin Shiners are commonly used as bait fish in certain areas for targeting a range of game fish species, including bass, walleye, and trout.
Common Shiner (Luxilus Cornutus)
The Common Shiner, also known as the Hornyhead Chub, swims in the freshwater of the U.S. and Canada.
They have a slender and elongated body with a silvery coloration. They typically have a dark stripe along their lateral line, and males may develop a dark, horny projection on the snout during the breeding season.
They are valued as bait because they are readily available, relatively hardy, and attractive to a variety of game fish species.
Make sure to also check: How To Fish With Shiners As Bait
Sand Shiner (Notropis Stramineus)
Sand Shiners have a wide U.S. distribution and can be found in many river systems and watersheds.
Sand Shiners have a slightly compressed profile. They are silver on the sides and have a white or yellowish underside. They have a relatively small mouth and a dark stripe running along their lateral line.
They are not typically sought after specifically for bait purposes.
Blacknose Dace (Rhinichthys Atratulus)
Found in the U.S. and Canada, Blacknose Dace have a slender and elongated body shape with a dark lateral stripe that extends from the snout to the base of the tail. They have a black patch at the base of their snout. The coloration of their body can vary but is typically light brown or olive with a silver or yellowish underside.
Blacknose Dace are sometimes used as bait for fishing.
Silvery Minnow (Hybognathus Amarus)
Also known as the Rio Grande Silvery Minnow, the Silvery Minnow is native to the southwestern United States and parts of Mexico. It is primarily found in the Rio Grande basin.
They have a silvery coloration, which helps them blend in with their surroundings. They have a relatively small mouth and an adipose fin, a characteristic fin found on the back near the tail.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lists the Silvery Minnow as an endangered species.
Bigeye Chub (Hybopsis Amblops)
The Bigeye Chub is native to the central and eastern regions of the United States. Its range extends from the Great Lakes region to the Mississippi River basin and its tributaries.
The Bigeye Chub has a streamlined body with a silvery coloration. It has a relatively large eye, which contributes to its name.
The Bigeye Chub is not commonly used as bait in recreational fishing.
Bigmouth Shiner (Notropis Dorsalis)
The Bigmouth Shiner is native to the central and eastern parts of the United States. Its range extends from the Great Lakes region to the Mississippi River basin and its tributaries.
It typically has a dark stripe running along its side, and its mouth is relatively large.
The Bigmouth Shiner is not widely known as a popular bait fish compared to other species commonly used for bait.
Central Stoneroller (Campostoma Anomalum)
Central Stonerollers’ name comes from their ability to “roll” stones on the streambed.
Their range extends from the Great Lakes region to the Mississippi River basin and its tributaries.
Central Stonerollers have a cylindrical body shape, rounded snout, and relatively small scales. They have an olive or brownish coloration on the upper body, fading to a lighter shade on the lower body.
This is not a popular minnow species when it comes to bait fish.
Fallfish (Semotilus Corporalis)
Their range extends from the Great Lakes region and the Mississippi River to the Atlantic coastal watersheds.
Fallfish can vary in coloration, but they typically have a silver or bronze hue on the upper body and a lighter shade on the underside. Fallfish can grow relatively large, with individuals reaching lengths of over 12 inches (30 centimeters).
Fallfish are generally not sought after as game fish, but they can provide an entertaining angling experience due to their size and strong fighting ability. They are occasionally used as live bait for targeting larger game fish species.
Longnose Dace (Rhinichthys Cataractae)
Longnose Dace have a slender and elongated body with a prominent snout. They are silver or pale yellow on the sides and with a white or cream-colored underside. They have dark lateral stripes along their body, which may be more pronounced during the breeding season.
They are relatively small in size and not as commonly sought after for bait as other species, such as minnows, shad, or crayfish.
Redbelly Dace (Chrosomus Eos)
Redbelly Dace can often be found in the Great Lakes and Ohio River basins. They have a slightly compressed shape and a silvery coloration on the sides, with a distinctive red or orange color on their bellies. They may also have dark lateral stripes along their body.
Redbelly Dace are not commonly targeted as game fish or widely used as bait fish.
What Minnows Are Best for Bait?
Minnow species that are popular choices for bait include:
- Fathead Minnow
- Golden Shiner
- Bluntnose Minnow
- Emerald Shiner
- Spotfin Shiner
Fathead Minnows, Golden Shiners, and Bluntnose Minnows are great to catch:
- Largemouth Bass
- Smallmouth Bass
- Walleye
- Northern Pike
- Muskie
- Channel Catfish
- Flathead Catfish
- Crappie
- Yellow Perch
- White Perch
Emerald Shiners attract:
- Walleye
- Northern Pike
- Muskellunge
- Smallmouth Bass
- Largemouth Bass
- Yellow Perch
- White Perch
- Lake Trout
- Brook Trout
- Rainbow Trout
Spotfin Shiners also work great to catch White Bass and Striped Bass.
Other Fish Species Often Mistaken For Minnows
Mummichog
While Mummichog is commonly called a minnow, it is not technically classified as a minnow within the Cyprinidae family.
The Mummichog is a euryhaline fish that can tolerate a wide range of salinity levels, making it adaptable to freshwater and saltwater environments. It is found along the Atlantic coast of North America, from Canada to Florida.
Sunfish
While both sunfish and minnows are freshwater fish, they belong to different families and have distinct characteristics.
Sunfish, such as Bluegill, are commonly used as bait in freshwater fishing. They are highly valued as bait due to their availability, attractiveness to a wide range of predatory fish species, and their ability to stay alive on a hook for extended periods.
Sunfish are particularly effective as bait for species such as bass, pike, walleye, and catfish. They are typically used live, with the hook inserted through the back or mouth to keep them swimming naturally in the water.
Suckers
Suckers and minnows are both freshwater fish; however, they belong to different families within Cypriniformes.
Suckers typically have a more robust body shape and specialized mouth structures, allowing them to suck up food from the substrate. Examples of sucker species include the White Sucker, Longnose Sucker, and Smallmouth Buffalo.
Suckers, especially white sucker and creek chub, can be effective as bait for certain game fish species, particularly larger predatory fish like pike, muskie, and catfish.
FAQs
How Many Different Kinds of Minnows Are There?
The family Cyprinidae, which includes most minnow species, is one of the largest fish families and comprises over 2,400 recognized species.
What Is the Most Common Minnow?
One of the most widespread and abundant minnow species is the Fathead Minnow. Fathead Minnows are native to North America and can be found in a wide range of habitats, including streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes.
What Are the Different Colors of Minnows?
Minnows come in a variety of colors. The coloration of minnows serves various purposes, including camouflage, species recognition, and attraction of mates.
Here are some common colorations found in minnows:
- Silver: Many minnow species have a silver coloration on their sides, which helps them blend into their surroundings and avoid predation.
- Golden/Yellow: Some minnows, such as the Golden Shiner, have a golden or yellow coloration, particularly on their sides or bellies.
- Olive/Brown: Certain minnows may have an olive or brown coloration, which helps them blend into murky or vegetated habitats.
- Blue/Black: Some minnows, like the Blacknose Dace, have dark blue or black coloration on their bodies or fins.
- Red/Orange: Certain minnow species, such as the Redbelly Dace, have red or orange coloration on their bellies or fins.
- Stripes/Spots: Minnows often have stripes, spots, or other patterns on their bodies. These markings can vary in color and intensity, helping with species recognition or providing camouflage.
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