Fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas)

Scientific name: Pimephales promelas Rafinesque, 1820

The Fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 33°C (91°F).

Fathead minnow care at a glance

Temperature: 33°C (91°F)

Biology

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 7. The only species of genus introduced to Europe which differs from other cyprinid species in Europe by the following characters: prominent pad of spongy tissue on nape in males; dorsal fin origin about above pelvic fin origin; anal fin with 7? branched rays; second simple dorsal ray spinous, about 50% length of the third one; lateral line incomplete, usually not reaching dorsal origin; weak midlateral stripe; 41-54 + 2 scales in midlateral row; and mouth terminal.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Pimephales promelas
Family: Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps)
Order: Cypriniformes (Carps)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 10.1
Common length: 7.3
Environment: Freshwater; demersal
Climate: Subtropical
Distribution: North America: Over much of North America from Quebec to Northwest Territories, Canada and south to Alabama, Texas and New Mexico, USA. Also in Mexico. Several countries report adverse ecological impact after introduction.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Potential pest
Uses: Fisheries:; aquarium: commercial; bait: usually
Resilience: High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (tmax=2)