Minnow (Phoxinus phoxinus)

The European Minnow is a small, lively cyprinid native to clear streams and ponds across Northern Europe. Males develop striking red, black, and emerald-green breeding coloration in spring, transforming an ordinary shoal into a vivid spectacle. Schools of minnows create a shimmering, naturalistic effect in wildlife ponds and are a keystone species of the European pond ecosystem. They are active surface and mid-water feeders and breed readily in suitable conditions.

Best kept in groups of 10 or more in a large, well-oxygenated pond with areas of gravel and aquatic plants. Provide flow or aeration to mimic their stream habitat. Feed with a combination of pond pellets, live and frozen invertebrates. They can tolerate Belgian winters in ponds above 50 cm depth.