Tuesday, April 21, 2009

I live in Craig Creek, Who am I?


This is the largest native minnow in Virginia. If you look closely at the mouth with a hand lens, the fish lacks a frenum and has a small barbel that is at the posterior edge of the lips. The scales have dark margins. Lateral line scales are typically 44-47 - fewer and larger than its closest relative. In juveniles there is a midlateral dark stripe - look for that.

What is this species?

Who is the closest relative? How do you tell them apart in the field?
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2 comments:

  1. JackieBrownApril 22, 2009 at 8:20 PM

    Fallfish (Semotilus corporalis)

    The closest related species is the Creek Chub (Semotilus atromaculatus). The creek chub has a dark spot on the anterior base of the dorsal fin, while the Fallfish does not.

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  2. Donald OrthApril 23, 2009 at 5:49 AM

    correct!

    the large scales and dark scale margins makes this fish easy to id in the field

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