The brassy minnow is found in widely scattered populations throughout Iowa, but it is far more prevalent in northern collections, where they are usually common. This cyprinid is characteristic of the Great Lakes region, Upper Missouri and Mississippi drainage systems and has scattered populations westward as far as British Columbia.

Brassy minnows are elongate in body form and are slightly compressed laterally. Body scales have about 20 lines that fan out from the focus of the scale. This feature sets them apart from the plains, western, and silvery minnows, which have 10 radii. Their color is dark dorsally, shading to yellowish-brassy sides, and creamy belly. Breeding males have a brassy hue, hence the origin of the common name. The small mouth, without barbel, is sub-terminal. A complete lateral line that contains from 36 to 40 scales is present. Pharyngeal teeth have grinding surfaces and are arranged in a 4-4 formula. The intestine is long and coiled, and the peritoneum is black.

This minnow prefers pools in moderate-sized streams and small rivers, and is often found in overflow ponds in the floodplain. They are usually found in close association with the fathead minnow. Brassy minnows will also establish populations in ponds and lakes, although they are seldom abundant in this type of habitat. Food items are mainly bottom ooze and aquatic insect larvae. Adults attain 3 to 4 inches in length. This fish is extensively used for bait by anglers.

*Mayhew, J. (editor). 1987. Iowa Fish and Fishing. Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Des Moines, Iowa. 323 pp.