Colorado Pikeminnow (Ptychocheilus lucius)
Colorado Pikeminnow (Ptychocheilus lucius)
The Colorado Pikeminnow (Ptychocheilus lucius) is known for several things. First, it is the largest minnow in North America. Second, it is long-lived and has the longest distance spawning migration. This fish is indigenous to the Colorado River and its major tributaries. Its body is elongated, including the cone-shaped, flattened head. The back may be bright olive green, underside white, and sides pale yellowish. The caudal fin has dark spots, and the dorsal and anal fins have nine rays. The teeth are long and hooked. Adult Colorado pikeminnows spawn in clear water, which is usually the previous breeding site.
Colorado Pikeminnow have a total length between 2’-3’ (61-91 cm) and body height of 3.7”-5.9” (9.5-15 cm). The typical weight of the Colorado Pikeminnow is in the range of 40-79 lb (18-36 kg). The maximum body length of the Colorado Pikeminnow is 6’ (183 cm) with a height of 11.4” (29 cm). Colorado Pikeminnow have lifespans between 40-50 years.
The Colorado Pikeminnow (Ptychocheilus lucius) is known for several things. First, it is the largest minnow in North America. Second, it is long-lived and has the longest distance spawning migration. This fish is indigenous to the Colorado River and its major tributaries. Its body is elongated, including the cone-shaped, flattened head. The back may be bright olive green, underside white, and sides pale yellowish. The caudal fin has dark spots, and the dorsal and anal fins have nine rays. The teeth are long and hooked. Adult Colorado pikeminnows spawn in clear water, which is usually the previous breeding site.
Colorado Pikeminnow have a total length between 2’-3’ (61-91 cm) and body height of 3.7”-5.9” (9.5-15 cm). The typical weight of the Colorado Pikeminnow is in the range of 40-79 lb (18-36 kg). The maximum body length of the Colorado Pikeminnow is 6’ (183 cm) with a height of 11.4” (29 cm). Colorado Pikeminnow have lifespans between 40-50 years.