Fathead Minnow (Pimephales promelas)
Pimephales promelas
Origin: North America (captive bred)
Water Parameters
Quick Stats
- Max Size
- 8 cm
- Min Tank
- 200 L
- Lifespan
- 2-4
- Swimming Level
- middle
- Schooling
- Yes (6–20+)
- Diet
- omnivore
- Temperament
- Peaceful; excellent wildlife pond fish
About
The Fathead Minnow is a small, cold-hardy North American cyprinid widely used in naturalistic and wildlife ponds for insect larva control and as a feeder fish in predator display ponds. Its olive-grey body and breeding males' distinctive dark head and nuptial tubercles make it an interesting observation fish. Fully cold-hardy and easy to breed.
Care Guide
Suitable for outdoor wildlife ponds and naturalistic setups. Very cold-hardy (4–24°C) — no heating required. Feed pond pellets and surface invertebrates naturally present in ponds. Easy to breed in ponds — males guard eggs under flat surfaces. A good ecological addition to wildlife ponds for insect larva control.
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