Sheepshead Minnow

Cyprinodon variegatus

The sheepshead minnow is a small, deep-bodied fish found along the eastern coasts of North and Central America. It has a distinctive appearance with a laterally compressed body, large circular scales, and a small head. The males are generally larger than the females and exhibit colorful patterns during the breeding season, with steel blue and lustrous green upper parts and deep salmon-pink underparts. This species is often confused with the mummichog, but can be distinguished by its tri-cuspid teeth and the arrangement of its fins. Sheepshead minnows inhabit brackish environments like estuaries, salt marshes, and lagoons. They are highly adaptable to varying salinities and can even be found in hypersaline conditions. Divers are likely to encounter them in shallow waters, as they are commonly found at depths less than 10 meters. These fish are omnivorous, feeding on detritus, microalgae, and small invertebrates such as crustacean larvae. Breeding occurs from April to September in shallow waters, where males aggressively compete for females. The eggs are fertilized externally and sink to the seabed, hatching in about five to six days. The sheepshead minnow is listed as "Least Concern" by the IUCN.