Exoglossum laurae (Hubbs, 1931)
Tonguetied minnow
Exoglossum laurae
photo by N. Burkhead & R. Jenkins, courtesy of VDGIF

Family:  Leuciscidae (Minnows), subfamily: Pogonichthyinae
Max. size:  16 cm TL (male/unsexed); max. reported age: 4 years
Environment:  demersal; freshwater
Distribution:  North America: 3 areas of the upper Ohio River basin in USA: upper Allegheny River drainage in New York and Pennsylvania, and upper Genesee River (Lake Ontario drainage) in New York and Pennsylvania; upper New River drainage in West Virginia, Virginia and North Carolina; and Great Miami and Little Miami River systems in Ohio.
Diagnosis:  Anal soft rays: 7-7. Exoglossum laurae is distinguished by the following characters: central body plate with fleshy lobe to either side on lower jaw; body chubby and barely compressed; deep caudal peduncle; dorsal fin origin over pelvic fin origin; snout round, mouth sub-terminal; thick upper lip thinner at middle; premaxillary frenum present; usually a small barbel near corner of mouth; complete lateral line with 47-53 scales; 7 anal rays; pharyngeal teeth 1,4-4,1. Body color olive-gray above, silver green-purple side; fins clear to light olive or light red; and small individuals with dusky stripe along side and onto snout, black caudal spot (Ref. 86798).
Biology:  Inhabits rocky pools and runs of creeks and small to medium rivers, often near vegetation or other cover. Males construct large circular or rectangular nests by piling pebbles carried in the mouth (Ref. 86798).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 27 January 2012 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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