topminnow

1 8.6

A small bright fish that swims near the water surface, often kept in tanks

noun
/ˈtɑpˌmɪnoʊ/

: pez mosquito

The topminnow is a fascinating fish often found swimming near the surface of ponds.

Examples

The topminnow is a favorite among aquarium enthusiasts for its bright colors and unique tail.
The topminnow is a popular choice for aquariums.
A male topminnow often develops an elongated tail fin during the breeding season.
Several species of topminnow can adapt well to home tanks if the water quality is maintained.
Many hobbyists enjoy keeping topminnows in their tanks.
Many aquarium enthusiasts keep topminnows because of their vibrant colors and active behavior.
In some areas, the topminnow is introduced to help control mosquito populations.

Synonyms

live-bearer

vstopminnow

1 7.8

A small brightly colored fish that gives birth to young that can swim when born

focuses on surface swimming and aquarium use rather than reproductive mode

poeciliid fish

vstopminnow

Specialized

9.9

Small bright fish that give birth to live young, like guppies and mollies

swims near the surface and is identified by surface behaviour rather than livebearing

Surface Forms

topminnow singular

topminnows plural

Morphology

topminnow = top + minnow (transparent) = top + minnow

The compound denotes a minnow that stays or feeds near the top of the water, a direct and guessable combination of 'top' + 'minnow'.

Etymology

Topminnow combines top ('upper') and minnow ('small fish'), so it literally names a little fish that stays near the top of the water. That's why a topminnow is a tiny, often brightly colored fish you see swimming at the surface and kept in aquariums.