topminnow

American  

[top-min-oh] / ˈtɒpˌmɪn oʊ /

noun

plural

topminnow,

plural

topminnows

1. any of several small, surface-swimming fishes of the egg-laying family Cyprinodontidae and the live-bearing family Poeciliidae, some of which are used in mosquito control.

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topminnow British  

/ ˈtɒpˌmɪnəʊ /

noun

1. any of various small American freshwater cyprinodont fishes that are either viviparous (genera Heterandria, Gambusia, etc) or egg-laying (genus Fundulus )

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Etymology

Origin of topminnow

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85; top ¹ + minnow

Example Sentences

One of its champions is biologist Pat Rakes, who researched the Barrens topminnow for his master’s degree thesis at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and now co-directs the nonprofit Conservation Fisheries.

From Seattle Times

But they've now reintroduced the Gila topminnow and are watching greenery come back, as well as myriad species of dragonflies.

From Salon

Habitat destruction and invasive species have severely reduced the range of the barrens topminnow.

From Washington Times

The Center for Biological Diversity says the nearly extinct Barrens topminnow was proposed for endangered species protection four decades ago.

From Washington Times

The Fish and Wildlife Service also said it would consider changing the Gila topminnow’s status from endangered to threatened.

From Seattle Times