Starhead topminnow
📖 Overview
Adults occur in vegetated standing water bodies and quiet pools and backwaters of streams . They feed on terrestrial insects, snails, small crustaceans, and some algae . Not a seasonal killifish. Is difficult to maintain in aquarium .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Starhead topminnow is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Starhead topminnow is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Starhead topminnow is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic; non-migratory . Temperate; 15°C - 25°C ; 44°N - 33°N North America: occurs only in the USA from the southern Great Lakes to eastern Texas and southern Alabama.
🌿 Ecology
terrestrial insects, snails, small crustaceans, and some algae (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Starhead topminnow 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 Starhead topminnow is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Starhead topminnow 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zygonectes dispar | Agassiz | 1854 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 2 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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