Fathead Minnow
Pimephales promelas
Fathead Minnow (Pimephales promelas) — Easy care, Peaceful, under Danio & Minnow. Minimum tank in the app: 19.8 US gal min; aim for 50–72°F and pH 6–8. The Fathead Minnow is a versatile choice for aquarists seeking an active yet peaceful species that thrives in groups.

Captive lifespan reflects typical experience in a home aquarium, not maximum recorded age; genetics, sourcing, and care vary.
Natural distribution
Asia / Europe (varies)
- East & Southeast Asia
Regional colours match the stocking calculator’s origin map.
Fathead Minnow Tank Setup
Aim for a spacious tank with both open swimming areas and dense cover to cater to their active nature. Incorporate varied substrate, gentle water flow, and moderate lighting to simulate their native habitats. A well-planned layout that balances open space for swimming and retreats for social interaction will enhance their well-being.
What Do Fathead Minnows Eat?
Fathead Minnows are opportunistic feeders, displaying a healthy competition during feeding. Provide a varied diet of flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods to maintain their vibrancy.
Fathead Minnow Tank Mates
Ideal companions include similarly sized and temperament-matched species such as other minnows or small tetras. Avoid large or aggressive species that may intimidate or outcompete them for food. Intraspecies, a minimum group of six is crucial to mitigate stress; larger groups can enhance their social dynamics without overcrowding.
Are Fathead Minnows Good for Beginners?
In App-aquatic we file this under easy care. That still means a cycled tank, realistic stocking, and parameters that do not swing every weekend. Aquarists often underestimate the importance of group size, leading to stressed fish and abnormal behavior. neglecting water quality and temperature can result in health issues.
Building a community? Run the full list through the stocking calculator before you add anything else.
Log tests and reminders in App-aquatic—free, same data you see here.




