Tonguetied Minnow,  Exoglossum laurae

 
Physical Description: 
�	Stocky body, moderate body form
�	Dorsal fin origin usually behind pelvic fin 
�	Broadly rounded or slightly pointed snout, inferior mouth
�	Bumpy, almost triangular upper lip, lower jaw has no lip
�	Olive or brown sides
�	Pale or yellowish fins, tail and dorsal fins may have red-brown color

Similar species: 
�	Cutlips minnow (Exoglossum maxillingua)

Mean body size:
�	Adults are 70-135 mm standard length 

Habitat:
�	Found in rocky creeks and small rivers 

Distribution in VA:
�	New River drainage

Food Habits:  
�	Insect larvae and small crustaceans

Reproductive Habits: 
�	Mature around age 2 or 3 
�	Spawning occurs May to June at water temperatures of 14-21�C
�	Nests found under banks, logs, and rocks in slow water
�	Fecundity is about 1,800 eggs per female 

Population Status, Economic, or Ecological Importance: 
�	Some populations are low or extirpated 
�	Hybridization occurs with cutlips minnow (Exoglossum maxillingua)

References:       

Jenkins, R.E and N.M. Burkhead. 1993. Freshwater Fishes of Virginia. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, Maryland. 

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