[Ebook] 500 freshwater aquarium fish – Cyprinids – Fathead Minnow (Pimephales promelas)

The Fathead Minnow was originally cultivated commercially in the United States as a bait fish. However, the attractive coloration of the golden morph, added to its interesting breeding habits, soon created a demand among aquarists. Today, virtually all the Fathead Minnows in the hobby are of the golden variety.

Other common name

• Golden Minnow, Rosy Red

Subfamily

• Leuciscinae

Distribution

• Most of North America; introduced into many exotic locations as far south as Mexico.

Size

• Up to 4in (10cm); usually considerably smaller.

Behavior

• Active shoaler; males become territorial during breeding.

Diet

• All foods accepted.

Aquarium

• Caves and broad-leaved floating plants should be provided. Water chemistry not critical. Temperature range: 50-77 F (10-25 C).

Breeding

• Eggs are attached to the undersurface of floating plants or the roof of a cave and are guarded by the male. Hatching takes around 1 week.