The plains minnow (Hybognathus placitus) is one of the 324 fish species found in central United States .

[8][3] Large, shallow, turbid stream channels with sandy substrates are the preferred habitat for the plains minnow.

However, plains minnows have been found in both turbid and clear streams and are able to survive in harsh habitat when few competing species are present.

[10][11] Stream habitat occupied by plains minnows tend to be shallow, hypoxic,low temperature, and slow-moving.

[13][3] The plains minnow is likely preyed on by larger, invasive fish species including the bluegill and largemouth bass.

[7] Unlike other fish, no territorial behavior over fertilized eggs or the nesting site are shown by males or females.

The states of Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming do not recognize the plains minnow as a species of concern.

Dams, pollution from agricultural practices, and introduced sport fish have caused plains minnow populations to decline in some of their native range.