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Pugnose Minnow

The Pugnose Minnow prefers clear, warm, well-vegetated rivers and creeks with little to no current.

In late spring, females lay eggs on the underside of flat surfaces and unlike most fish, the males guard the nest and eggs from predators.

The Minnow feeds on the larvae of aquatic insects such as midges, and zooplankton. Larval fishes and eggs make up a small portion of their diet.

This species may never have been common in Ontario as it is at the northern limit of its range here. The main threat to the species is loss of clean, well-vegetated habitat. Current threats include increased turbidity and alteration and destruction of wetlands.