Origin
The rosy red minnow is a variant of the fathead minnow which resulted from selective breeding for the red colour in the aquarium industry. They are considered the same species (Pimephales promelas). The rosy red minnow is thought to have been introduced to North America through aquarium releases.

Morphology
Both male and female rosy red minnows are orange-red or pink in colour on the body, fins, and heads, while their sides and bellies are silver. They have large eyes, translucent fins, and are 2 – 6 cm (0.8 – 2.4 in.)

Distribution
The rosy red minnow has recently been reported in the Canadian province of British Columbia, with populations found in two separate locations in 2018 and 2020. It has not been reported throughout the rest of North America.

Impacts
The potential impacts of the rosy red minnow are not well understood. It is likely that this species would compete with native fish species for resources should it spread across the landscape.

Resources
https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/69889#tosummaryOfInvasiveness
https://bcinvasives.ca/invasives/rosy-red-minnow/
https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/factsheet.aspx?SpeciesID=621
 

Selected Images

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Maps

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References

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Common Name Reference: Integrated Taxonomic Information System on-line database.

Scientific Name Reference: Integrated Taxonomic Information System on-line database.