Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Rosy Red Minnow
Pimephales promelas
Also called Rosy red, Rosy-red fathead minnow, Fathead minnow (wild form), Tuffy
From Wild fathead minnow is native to North America, from Canada south to the Gulf states and Mexico; the rosy-red colour strain appeared on Arkansas fish farms12
At a glance the quick version
Males weigh about 3 to 5 g, females about 2 to 3 g (wild fathead minnow)
Looks how to spot one
Small, deep-bodied scaled fish
A small, stocky minnow with a rounded head. In breeding season males grow a spongy grey pad on the back of the head and small white bumps on the snout, which they use while tending eggs. The rosy-red form swaps the wild olive colour for a pinkish-gold body and fins.23
Personality what they are like
Peaceful and sociable, preferring to swim with familiar fish. Breeding males become territorial around their nest site.3
Daily activity how busy a day looks
An active, schooling fish that also spends time picking food from the bottom.32
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Easy to keep in garden ponds or coldwater tanks. Give flat stones, pots or similar objects with an overhang so males can set up nests underneath.32
Home where they are happiest
Very adaptable. Copes with water from about 0 to 33 °C and with cloudy, warm or low-oxygen conditions that many fish avoid.13
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Omnivore and bottom filter feeder. Eats algae, detritus, small crustaceans, zooplankton and insect larvae; accepts small prepared foods.321
Company who they like around
Lives in schools and recognises familiar companions by scent, so keep it in a group.3
The story where it all began
The fathead minnow is a widespread North American fish long used as bait and as a feeder fish. The rosy-red colour strain was found on several Arkansas breeding farms in 1985 and is now a popular pond and aquarium fish.23
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
The male guards the eggs alone, fanning them and cleaning them with the spongy pad on his head until they hatch.3
- 2
Nests are made on the underside of flat objects such as stones, logs or pots.3
- 3
A single female can spawn 16 to 26 times in a season.2
- 4
Fathead minnows are North America's most widely used model fish in environmental toxicology research.3
- 5
Like many minnows, they release an alarm scent when injured to warn their school.2
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Wild species Pimephales promelas assessed as Least Concern (2018)1
- US Environmental Protection Agency
- The fathead minnow is a standard indicator species in EPA vertebrate toxicity testing2
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Rosy Red Minnow. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- Feedingevery day
- Water changeAbout 25 to 30% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Rosy Red Minnow?
Feed your Rosy Red Minnow once a day, offering only what it can eat in a couple of minutes. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily feeding. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.321 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Rosy Red Minnow eat, and what should it never eat?
Your minnow is an omnivore and bottom feeder that enjoys algae, small crustaceans, and prepared foods. Never feed it anything that could spoil the water, like large pieces of human food, and always stick to fish-safe options. Ask your vet for a complete list of unsafe foods.321
How much space does a Rosy Red Minnow need?
A small group of Rosy Red Minnows does well in a coldwater tank of at least 20 gallons or a garden pond. They are active schoolers, so more space is always better. Check with a good breeder for exact tank size recommendations.32
What temperature, light or water does a Rosy Red Minnow need?
This fish is very adaptable and can handle water from about 0 to 33 °C, even cloudy or low-oxygen conditions. Provide normal aquarium lighting and a gentle filter. For precise water parameters, ask your exotic-pet vet.13
How often should I clean a Rosy Red Minnow's home?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a weekly 25, 30% water change, a weekly glass clean, and a monthly filter rinse. Test the water weekly to keep it healthy. Adjust based on your tank's needs and your vet's advice. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Rosy Red Minnow live with others?
Yes, they are peaceful and sociable, living in schools and recognizing familiar fish by scent. Keep them in a group, but note that breeding males may become territorial around their nest. They get along with other calm, coldwater fish.3
How long does a Rosy Red Minnow live?
With good care, your Rosy Red Minnow can live between 2 and 5 years. Provide a clean, spacious home and a balanced diet to help it reach its full lifespan.321
Can I handle a Rosy Red Minnow?
It's best not to handle your minnow, as it can stress the fish and damage its protective slime coat. Enjoy watching it swim and interact with its tank mates instead. If you must move it, use a soft net and wet hands.32
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Zebra DanioWhere this comes from
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.
- FishBase: Pimephales promelas fishbase.seused for range, size, age, temperature, diet, IUCN status
- Wikipedia: Fathead minnow en.wikipedia.orgused for rosy-red strain history, appearance, size, lifespan, breeding, uses, fun facts
- Animal Diversity Web: Pimephales promelas animaldiversity.orgused for appearance, weight, lifespan, habitat, behaviour, breeding, diet
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.