What most of us did not know is that just because a fish is small, it does not mean it is a minnow. Half the time, what we thought were minnows were probably young fish, perhaps some perch or bass or even trout. Some species, like the fathead minnow and the blacknose dace, are small and do look like the classic minnow we usually picture. But other species, like the fallfish and the creek chub, can grow to be 11 plus inches long and are fun to catch. Minnows are interesting creatures to observe.
Many minnows reproduce in groups.
Several species of minnows spawn in the same location at the same time, resulting in hybrid minnows. Certain species build nests, while others utilize existing nests of coexisting species. These tubercles may be numerous and feel like sandpaper or they may be few in number and quite large. They are used in nest construction and in maintaining body contact with spawning females. Minnows are important food items for other fish species in most of the state's waters.