About Hybognathus regius Girard, 1856
The eastern silvery minnow, scientifically named Hybognathus regius Girard, 1856, is a species of freshwater ray-finned fish in the family Leuciscidae, which includes shiners, daces and minnows. This species is defined by the absence of barbels. It looks similar to shiners, but can be distinguished by its crescent-shaped lower jaw (instead of a U-shaped one), and a secondary loop in the gut that is sometimes visible through the body wall of preserved specimens. Compared to other species in the genus Hybognathus, the eastern silvery minnow has more angulate fins, and a more concave dorsal fin margin. Its scales measure 10–12 mm in radius, and the circuli on its scales have sharp angles at the basal corners of the scale. It has a pointed head, and reaches a maximum total length of around 6 inches.
