Iowa Fish Species – Minnow Family

Any small fish often is (incorrectly) referred to as a “minnow.”  True minnows are found in all our rivers and streams and most lakes. Native minnows do not grow longer than twelve inches (even as adults). Members of this family have no scales on their heads, no adipose fin, and a single soft dorsal fin with fewer than ten rays. (Introduced species may have more.)

Although most native minnows (exception: large creek chubs) are too small to be used as food for humans, they are very important food for many larger fish. Several species are sold as bait fish.

For more information about minnows, visit the DNR website.

Common Carp

Carp were introduced from Europe over 100 years ago and have since moved into nearly all Iowa waters. Unlike native minnows, they may weigh 50 pounds or more as adults. The conspicuous barbel on either side of the mouth and large scales are diagnostic characteristics.

Carp spawn from mid-April through June in shallow water, scattering adhesive eggs over plants, debris, or rocks. The eggs are left unattended. Carp eat almost anything; they are particularly fond of roots and shoots of young aquatic plants. Their feeding habits often make waters very “muddy” in appearance.

Although carp are considered “rough” fish, they are an important commercial species with 2.5 million pounds being taken each year from the Mississippi River bordering Iowa. Carp also provide an excellent challenge for anglers who pursue them, making long runs and putting up a good fight. Carp are caught with a variety of baits on treble or single hooks. Two of the most popular are canned corn and dough baits fished on the bottom.

White Amur (Grass Carp)

This large minnow is native to eastern Asia and was imported to the United States to control nuisance aquatic plants. It is dark olive in color, shading to brownish yellow on the sides, with a whitish belly. It has large scales like the common carp, but no barbels around the mouth. The white amur eats aquatic plants and can reach lengths of four feet and weights of 40 pounds.

White amur stocked into Iowa waters are from artificial propagation. Unlike the common carp, research has shown white amur do not harm native fish populations and they are an efficient alternative to herbicides.