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

The topminnow was finally given federal protection in 2019, but its future is still in doubt partially because the U.S.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 21, 2022

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 • Oct. 21, 2022

Recognizing the threats of habitat loss from farming and development as well as predation by mosquitofish, the Fish and Wildlife Service first proposed listing the Barrens topminnow as endangered in 1977.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 21, 2022

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

From Salon • Apr. 29, 2021

They aren't necessarily the rarest, but they sound the best: Yaqui topminnow.

From Salon • Jan. 21, 2020