Top minnow
📖 Overview
Adults occur in weedy canals and tolerates poorly oxygenated waters and salinity to 40 ppt. Occurrence in saline (34-37 ppt.) water in Florida seems to be a case of local acclimatization. Formerly used in medical research. Total length 14 cm . Mostly freshwater, sometimes brackish . Piscivore .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Slender, elongate fish with elongate jaws forming a prominent pointed beak. Scales very small and numerous .: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Top minnow is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Top minnow is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Produces up to 100 eggs.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; brackish; demersal; pH range: 6.0 - 8.0; dH range: 9 - 19; non-migratory . Tropical; 25°C - 37°C ; 29°N - 11°N, 100°W - 79°W North and Central America: Laguna San Julian, northeast of Ciudad Veracruz in Mexico to Costa Rica.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Top minnow is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Top minnow is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Top minnow has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belonesox belizanus maxillosus | Hubbs | 1936 | Synonym |
| Belonesox maxillosus | Hubbs | 1936 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 113 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
No observations yet - be the first to log one!
View all observations for Top minnow ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.
Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.