Read About Minnow Feeder Fish

Minnow Feeder Fish are a small community fish that are often used as bait for fishing, but they can be excellent cold aquarium fish for beginners and experienced aquarists alike. Here's everything you need to know about them.

Minnow Feeder Fish -- Facts

1. Species:

   Minnows are a common species that belong to the Cyprinidae family. The common varieties are the White Cloud Mountain Minnow and the Fathead Minnow, which are often used as bait or feeder fish. Many consider all small fish used for bait as minnows.

2. Size:

   The White Cloud Mountain Minnow grows up to 2 inches long while some Fathead male minnows can be 3 inches.

3. Life Span:

   The White Cloud Mountain Minnow live between 5-7 years. The Fathead Minnows have a lesser lifespan.

4. Scientific :

   White Cloud Mountain Minnows are called Tanichthys albonubes and the Fathead Minnows are called Pimephales promelas.

5. Varieties:

   White Cloud comes in a variety of colors while the Fatheads are brown, red or orange.

6. Origins:

   The White Cloud were first found on the White Cloud Mountain near Canton. Fatheads belong to America.

7. Physical Traits:

   These are small fish with longer bodies. The fins of White Cloud are reddish. The Fatheads are similar with only the color of the body being either brownish or red to orange.

Minnow Feeder Fish - Care

1. Water Conditions:

   These are a hardy fish that are not very particular to temperature changes in aquarium. However the ideal water temperature should be 64 -- 72 degree F with a pH level of 6-8.

2. Food:

   These prefer worms, insects, flakes and insect larvae.

3. Compatibility:

   These are community fish and could be mixed with other cold water species: Barbs, tetras, goldfish, neons and danios can be housed with minnows without any trouble.

Minnow Feeder Fish -- Concerns

1. Benefits:

   These are schooling fish and when bred in large numbers provide wonderful behavior and swim patterns to observe. Moreover these fish are extremely hardy and are excellent for beginners.

2. Liabilities:

   Since minnows are used as bait or feeder fish, bigger fish that eat minnows cannot be housed together.

3. Health Issues:

   These fish are hardy and are not often prone to illnesses. However proper aquarium maintenance should be carried out, for without clean water any fish will become susceptible.

4. Specific Care Needs:

   They are large spawners and grow quickly in number, so it is better to house lesser fish per gallon in the beginning if you want to avoid over crowding later.

5. Special Household Needs:

   Use aquarium ornaments like pots or large rocks with wide gaps below or behind during the spawning season.

Minnow Feeder Fish -- How to Choose

1. What to Look for:

   When you are buying minnows make sure that these fish are active and display schooling traits. Males refuse to school during the spawning season.

2. Supplies:

   Regular aquarium needs are required for these fish. Heater may be skipped initially but would be necessary during spawning.

3. Expense:

   These fish are very inexpensive because most are sold as baits or feeder fish.