Fathead minnow

The fathead minnow is a hardy, adaptable North American cyprinid found across a huge range of ponds, ditches, and slow streams, widely used as a baitfish and in the ornamental trade as the golden or rosy-red variety. It is a peaceful, social shoaling fish that should be kept in groups of six or more, ideal for unheated or coldwater community tanks and outdoor ponds. Extremely tolerant of variable conditions, it thrives in cool water from 10-22C with neutral to alkalinity, moderate to hard water, though it withstands low oxygen and poor quality better than most fish. An unfussy omnivore, it eats flakes, small pellets, frozen and live foods, algae, and detritus. Provide plants and cover; breeding males darken and develop tubercles and a spongy nape pad, guarding eggs laid beneath flat surfaces.