A Photographic Atlas to the Early Development of the Bullhead Minnow (Pimephales vigilax)

Abstract

The identification of larval fishes is difficult due to their small size and transparent nature. Deciphering between different species placed within the same genus or even family can prove near impossible. Literature currently available on larval fish is focused predominantly on marine species and little information is available that would aid the identification of the larval stages of freshwater species, particularly in the state of Texas. The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive photographic atlas to the larval stages of the Bullhead minnow (Pimephales vigilax). This guide will facilitate the identification of the larval stages of this common species of minnow throughout Texas (and other states) and will contribute to our knowledge of the larvae of freshwater fishes in general.