Fundulus sciadicus
Fundulus sciadicus
(Plains Topminnow)
Fishes
Native Transplant
Collection Info
Point Map
Species Profile
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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Copyright Info
Fundulus sciadicus Cope, 1865
Common name: Plains Topminnow
Taxonomy: available through www.itis.govITIS logo

Identification: Bouc (1987); Page and Burr (1991); Pflieger (1997).
Size: 7 cm.
Native Range: Disjunct distribution, Missouri River basin from western Iowa to eastern Wyoming; Missouri drainage, central Missouri; and Neosho River system, southwestern Missouri, southeastern Kansas, and northeastern Oklahoma (Page and Burr 1991).
Native range data for this species provided in part by NatureServe NS logo
Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Nonindigenous Occurrences:

Table 1. States with nonindigenous occurrences, the earliest and latest observations in each state, and the tally and names of HUCs with observations†. Names and dates are hyperlinked to their relevant specimen records. The list of references for all nonindigenous occurrences of Fundulus sciadicus are found here.

StateFirst ObservedLast ObservedTotal HUCs with observations†HUCs with observations†
CO198219934Colorado Headwaters; Lower Yampa; San Luis; White - Yampa
NE195920034Frenchman; Red Willow; Stinking Water; Upper Republican
SD200220021Middle Cheyenne-Elk
WY199420042Cheyenne; Upper Cheyenne

Table last updated 4/12/2025

† Populations may not be currently present.
Means of Introduction: The species was introduced accidentally into the San Luis Valley by the Colorado Department of Wildlife (Zuckerman and Behnke 1986). It was introduced into Rio Blanco County via unknown means, probably bait bucket release. Probable bait bucket introduction in Nebraska (Cross 1967). This species was first captured below Enders Reservoir, an area commonly fished with bait minnows, in 1959. The fish likely came from the nearby Platte River (Cross 1967).
Status: Reported in White River drainage (Woodling 1985); extirpated in Rio Grande drainage, Colorado (Zuckerman and Behnke 1986). Established in Nebraska.
Impact of Introduction: The impacts of this species are currently unknown, as no studies have been done to determine how it has affected ecosystems in the invaded range. The absence of data does not equate to lack of effects. It does, however, mean that research is required to evaluate effects before conclusions can be made.
Remarks: Voucher specimens: Nebraska (KU 4856).
References: (click for full references)

Page, L. M., and B. M. Burr. 1991. A field guide to freshwater fishes of North America north of Mexico. The Peterson Field Guide Series, volume 42. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, MA.

Wick, R. J., T. A. Lytle, and C. M. Haynes. 1981. Colorado squawfish and humpback chub population monitoring. Federal Aid Project SE-3-3, Job 1, Progress Report. Colorado Division of Wildlife, Denver, CO. 156 pp.

Woodling, J. 1985. Colorado's little fish: a guide to the minnows and other lesser known fishes in the state of Colorado. Colorado Division of Wildlife, Denver, CO. 77 pp.

Zuckerman, L. D., and R. J. Behnke. 1986. Introduced fishes in the San Luis Valley, Colorado. Pages 435-452 in R. H. Stroud, editor. Fish culture in fisheries management. Proceedings of a symposium on the role of fish culture in fisheries management at Lake Ozark, MO, March 31-April 3, 1985. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, MD.

Other Resources:
FishBase Summary
Author: Fuller, P.
Revision Date: 12/2/2019
Peer Review Date: 12/5/2003

Citation Information:
Fuller, P., 2025, Fundulus sciadicus Cope, 1865: U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL, https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?SpeciesID=691, Revision Date: 12/2/2019, Peer Review Date: 12/5/2003, Access Date: 4/12/2025

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.

Disclaimer:

The data represented on this site vary in accuracy, scale, completeness, extent of coverage and origin. It is the user's responsibility to use these data consistent with their intended purpose and within stated limitations. We highly recommend reviewing metadata files prior to interpreting these data.

Citation information: U.S. Geological Survey. [2025]. Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database. Gainesville, Florida. Accessed [4/12/2025].

Contact us if you are using data from this site for a publication to make sure the data are being used appropriately and for potential co-authorship if warranted.

For general information and questions about the database, contact Wesley Daniel. For problems and technical issues, contact Matthew Neilson.



Disclaimer:

The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.



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