Fathead Minnow (Pimephales promelas)

Identification: Body short and thick set, often with a pronounced belly. Dark olive-green or brown above, with silvery or brassy reflections on sides and silvery white below. Distinct lateral band in adults. Breeding males develop a conspicuous dark head, lateral band may be faint or absent. Hind margin of dorsal fin clearly overlaps anal fin.

Life History: Spawning occurs in spring and can continue into August. The spawning site is usually the underside of a log, branch, large rock, board or lily pad, in shallow water. Adults have an 80% mortality rate after spawning, with individuals rarely living beyond 2 years.

Feeding: Food includes algae, organic detritus, aquatic insect larvae and zooplankton.

References:

Scott, W and Crossman, E. 1973. Freshwater Fishes of Canada. Fisheries Research Board of Canada. Bulletin 184. Ottawa, Ontario.

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