topminnow

[ top-min-oh ]

noun

, plural (especially collectively) top·min·now, (especially referring to two or more kinds or species) top·min·nows.

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.

topminnow

/ ˈtɒpˌmɪnəʊ /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of topminnow¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of topminnow¹

from top ¹+ minnow ; so called because they are small and swim near the surface of the water

Example Sentences

Small waterfalls and cascades isolate the waters of the plateau, keeping downstream fish from invading the topminnow’s territory.

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