Small, moderately deep-bodied fish with olive green to brown coloration, pale belly, and dark barring. May have a yellow to orange cast to fins. Males will have blue iridescence on top of head. Females may have a spot on dorsal fin while males will have bars. Caudal (tail) fin has nearly a straight margin.
Average Maximum Size:
4.6cm (1.8 in)
Adults Distinguishing Characteristics:
Their rounded bodies with one dorsal and one anal fin without an obvious lateral line help to distinguish this fish. The sheepshead minnow can sometimes be confused with a mummichog due to their similar habitat and appearance, however Sheepshead minnows have more pronounced teeth, deeper body shape and larger scales, particularly around the head.
Juveniles Distinguishing Characteristics:
Range:
Massachusetts to Venezuela
Habitat:
Can be found on the marsh platform in shallow waters among vegetation, in estuaries of brackish, fresh, or marine waters. Tolerant of low dissolved oxygen levels and high salinities.
Notes:
Can survive in very warm, low oxygen environements.
