Rosy Red Minnows (RRMs) are a domestic variant of the native Fathead Minnow (Pimephales promelas), which is widely found across Alberta. Commonly sold as aquarium pets and occasionally used as baitfish, sightings of RRMs have been steadily increasing in water bodies throughout the province, sparking concerns that they are spreading quickly with human assistance. As the impacts of RRMs are not well understood, Operation Rosy Reconnaissance aims to help researchers better determine the distribution of RRMs and raise awareness for this flashy minnow by collecting specimens in the wild and informing people to keep their eyes peeled.
So, if you stumble upon a suspicious-looking orange fish while on the water, please let us know! On top of reporting your observation to the province, please either email me at justinjpoon44@gmail.com or post pictures on iNaturalist, tagging @justin734 and @mrjmorris in the comments. We’ll be sampling locations in the Calgary area this summer and in the Edmonton area starting in September, in hopes of acquiring large quantities of voucher specimens and fin clips for future genetic research.
For more information on Rosy Reds, click here: https://abinvasives.ca/fact-sheet/rosy-red-minnow/