MINNOW FAMILY (Cyprinidae) 



The term minnow is frequently used to refer to all small fishes. 

 Actually it should be reserved only for members of the largest family 

 of freshwater fishes, the Cyprinidae. Minnows are usually small, with 

 no scales on the head, a forked caudal fin, and a toothless mouth. These 

 small fish "chew" with pharyngeal teeth located in their throat. These 

 teeth vary in number and character, and are used by the experts as an 

 aid in identification of various species. Externally many kinds of min- 

 nows are so similar that obvious diff"erences cannot be found and the 

 family is hard to study. 



Minnows are usually abundant because they can occupy a great 

 variety of habitats, eat many types of foods, and a large number can 

 occupy a small water area. 



Spawning migrations of minnows are limited with no movement 

 more than a short distance upstream or beyond the shoals of a lake. 

 All are spring or summer spawners. Some of the males become highly 

 colored during the breeding season and develop conspicuous tubercles 

 about the head and on the fins. These tubercles are used in defending 

 breeding areas and for holding the female during spawning. 



Various spawning habits are displayed from elaborate nest prepara- 

 tions to no nest construction and no parental care. The most frequently 

 observed nest of the Maine minnows is that of the fallfish. These nests 

 are made of stones averaging as much as two inches in diameter piled 

 as high as three feet and with a diameter up to six feet. Nest construc- 

 tion is largely the responsibility of the male. 



Minnows are important in the management of an inland fishery for 

 their position in the food chain. They serve as one of the most efficient 

 agents in the transformation of various minute aquatic foods into protein 

 readily available to many of our game fishes. Thus, their primary value 

 comes as a forage for more desirable food and game fishes. 



A IV2 pound carp (Cyprinus carpio) was taken in the Abagadasset 

 River in 1950. This European minnow was introduced into United 

 States in 1877 and since then has become a serious problem in many 

 states. Carp are a large minnow that compete with more desirable fishes 

 for food and space. Care must be taken not to spread this pest into any 

 other areas of Maine. 



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