The occurrence of introduced rosy red minnows (Pimephales promelas) in Alberta, Canada

Abstract

Rosy red minnows are a golden morph of Fathead Minnow (Pimephales promelas) commonly sold in pet shops and used, in some jurisdictions, as baitfish. They have formed several naturalized populations in British Columbia, where they are considered a priority conservation concern. The Government of Alberta had noted two occurrences of rosy red minnows in 2016 and 2017, but their identification could not be independently confirmed without photographic or physical vouchers. Based on our own collections, Royal Alberta Museum specimens, community science initiatives, and enquiries to other field researchers, we report that rosy red minnows have been present in Alberta earlier than previously thought, are likely breeding in Alberta, and have a widespread distribution from Fort McMurray to Lethbridge. Given that Alberta has native populations of wild-type Fathead Minnow, the impacts of rosy red minnows on native populations requires immediate attention.