Aquatic Species at Risk, Pugnose Minnow (Opsopoeodus emiliae)

SARA Status: Threatened

Several horizontal sections on this infographic show the following:

The logo for DFO in the bottom left corner of the infographic

An illustration of the Pugnose Minnow (Opsopoeodus emiliae), © Joseph R. Tomelleri, with the following aspects labelled:

• very small, steeply upturned mouth
• silver-coloured with a criss-cross pattern of scaling across the upper body
• nine dorsal rays
• thin, black line running the full length of the body on both sides
• small, slightly deep-bodied fish reaches between 35-57 mm

The next section lists threats, including:

• habitat degradation
• sediment and nutrient loading
• contaminants

A further section notes that Canadian populations are found only in southwestern Ontario limited to Lake St. Clair and its smaller tributaries, and the Detroit, Canard, and Sydenham rivers.

To the right of the infographic, a map of Ontario shows, by an overlaying rectangle, where the related population is found. Another map on the left of the infographic shows a magnified view of where the population is found by use of splotch markings, with lakes Ontario, Erie, and Huron labelled.

A final section on the infographic notes that activities in or near water can harm aquatic species, and lists what you can do:

• prevent contaminants from entering water
• do not clear aquatic vegetation
• keep your shorelines natural
• protect sensitive habitat; contact DFO before doing any in-water work

Version 2021-04