The brassy minnow reaches an average length of 2 1/2 inches. In New York, the brassy minnow is found in cooler waters from Lake Champlain west across northern New York, including the St. Lawrence River area to and along Lake Ontario. This minnow is common in small streams and ponds, apparently preferring those with boggy, acid waters. It spawns in early spring in quiet water; little else is known of its spawning habits. It is primarily a plant eater, feeding heavily on algae. This minnow is also desirable for bait and is important as a forage fish for brook trout.

Distribution of brassy minnow in NY state.

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