Rosy Red Minnow 101: Care, Diet, Lifespan & All 2024

Rosy Red Minnows are a species of fish native to the Northeastern United States. They are a popular choice for aquariums and ponds because of their hardiness and ability to tolerate various water conditions.

They’re pretty prolific breeders, so it’s not uncommon for them to be used as live bait by fishermen. But there is still a lot that many people do not know about Rosy Red Minnows for such an ordinary fish.

In this article, we will look closer at this species of Rosy Red Minnow and some things that make them unique.

So, let’s learn all about Rosy Red Minnows without further ado!

Rosy Red Minnow: Species Summary

Scientific name:	Pimephales promelas
Other names:	Fathead Minnow, Common Minnow, Tuffy Minnow
Family:	Cyprinidae
Size:	Between 2 and 3.5 inches
Lifespan:	2 to 4 years
Origin:	Northeastern United States
Habitat:	Freshwater streams, ponds, and lakes
Behavior:	Schooling fish, peaceful
Tank size:	10 gallons or more
Water temperature:	60° to 78° Fahrenheit
pH Range:	7 to 8
Water hardness:	4 to 18 dGH
Water Type:	Freshwater
Activity Level:	Moderate
Compatibility:	Can be kept with other peaceful fish
Tankmates:	Many, including other Rosy Red Minnows
Care Level:	Easy
Breeding:	Seasonal breeders lay eggs in vegetation
Diet:	Omnivorous, eat small invertebrates and algae

The scientific name for Rosy Red Minnows is Pimephales promelas. They are also known as Fathead Minnows, Common Minnows, and Tuffy Minnows. They belong to the Cyprinidae family, which contains carp and other minnow species.

Rosy Red Minnow: Appearance

The appearance of this fish species is what often makes them so popular with aquarium and pond owners. Rosy Red Minnows are a beautiful pinkish-red color, hence their name.

Their fins are usually clear or pale in color. Males tend to be more brightly colored than females. Females also have a rounder body shape than males.

The body is torpedo-shaped. They have a small head with a protruding lower jaw. Their eyes are on the sides of their head, giving them decent panoramic vision.

They have two dorsal fins and an anal fin. The first dorsal fin is shorter than the second and is back on the body. The anal fin is located towards the back of the fish, just in front of the tail fin. Their fins are translucent and have a reddish hue. The caudal (tail) fin is forked and helps the fish to swim quickly through the water. 

Juvenile Rosy Red Minnows have a dark stripe that runs vertically along their body. This stripe fades as they reach adulthood.

Their tail fin is forked, giving them extra maneuverability in the water. This type of fin is known as a caudal peduncle.

Rosy Red Minnow: Size & Growth Rate

The typical Rosy Red Minnow size is between 2 and 3 inches. However, they can grow up to 4 inches long in captivity.

They are a fast-growing fish species. They can grow up to 1 inch per month under the right conditions. However, their growth rate will slow down as they reach adulthood.

Rosy Red Minnow: Lifespan

The lifespan of Rosy Red Minnows is 2 to 4 years in captivity. In the wild, their lifespan is typically 2 years.

Rosy Red Minnows may become more susceptible to diseases and illnesses as they age. Providing them with a clean and well-maintained aquarium is essential to help them live long and healthy lives.

Rosy Red Minnow: Behavior & Temperament

Rosy Red Minnows are peaceful fish that do well in community tanks. They are not known to be aggressive and will get along with most other fish. 

These fish are also active and playful. They will often swim around and play with each other. Together, they’re somewhat active and can be fun to watch.

They are not known to be fin nippers. However, they may nibble on the fins of other fish if they are bored or hungry.

They are a good choice for beginner aquarium enthusiasts. They are easy to care for and make a great addition to any community tank.

Rosy Red Minnow: Breeding

There are a few things that you need to do if you want to breed them. The first thing you need to do is to set up a breeding tank. This tank should be at least 10 gallons in size. It should also have a sponge filter and plenty of plants.

You will also need to purchase a breeding net. This will help you catch the fry once they are born. Once you have set up your breeding tank, add two or three female Rosy Red Minnows.

You should then add one male, Rosy Red Minnow. The male Rosy Red Minnow will chase the females around and try to mate with them. Once the female Rosy Red Minnows are pregnant, they will start to swell up with eggs. This process can take anywhere from two to four weeks.

Once the female Rosy Red Minnows are ready to lay their eggs, they will do so on plants or other surfaces in the tank. The male Rosy Red Minnow will then fertilize the eggs. Once the eggs are fertilized, they will hatch in three to five days.

Once the fry is born, it will be tiny and delicate. This is why it is essential to have a breeding net. The breeding net will help you catch and put the fry in a separate tank.

You should then remove the parents from the breeding tank. This is because they will eat their fry. Once the fry is in a separate tank, you should feed them baby brine shrimp or other small live foods.

By following these steps, you can successfully breed Rosy Red Minnows.

Rosy Red Minnow: Food & Diet

These fish are omnivores and will eat a variety of different foods. You can feed them flakes, pellets, and live foods. 

Some of the best foods that you can feed your fish include: 

• Bloodworms: These are high in protein and will help your fish grow.
• Daphnia: This is a portion of good food for adult fish.
• Krill: This is good food for adult fish.
• Brine shrimp: These are high in protein and will help your fish grow.
• Mysis shrimp: This is good food for adult fish.

It would help if you also supplemented their diet with vegetables and fruits. This will help them get the nutrients they need.

Some of the best vegetables and fruits that you can feed your fish include:

• Zucchini
• Spinach
• Peas
• Apples
• Oranges

You can help your fish stay healthy and strong by feeding them various foods.

Rosy Red Minnow: Diet Foods To Avoid

There are a few foods that you should avoid feeding your fish. These foods can cause health problems and should be avoided.

Some of the foods that you should avoid feeding your fish include:

• Bread
• Chips
• Crackers
• Rice

These foods can cause health problems in your fish and should be avoided.

Rosy Red Minnow: Feeding Schedule

How often you feed your fish depends on their age and size. Adult fish should be fed two to three times a day.

Juvenile fish should be fed three to four times a day. And fry should be fed five to six times a day.

You should also vary the amount of food that you feed your fish. It would help if you gave them as much food as they could eat in two minutes.

Following this feeding schedule can help your fish stay healthy and strong.

Rosy Red Minnow: Care

Rosy Red Minnow care is pretty straightforward. These fish are hardy and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions. They are also not too demanding when it comes to food. 

A lot of times, aquarists will see Rosy Red Minnows for sale in tiny pet stores. It is important to remember that these fish proliferate and will need a larger tank as they mature. The general rule of thumb is to provide 10 gallons of water for each fish. So, if you want to keep 3 Rosy Red Minnows, you will need a 30-gallon tank. 

Providing lots of hiding places and vegetation in the aquarium is also good. They are schooling fish and do best when kept in groups of 6 or more. They will feel more secure in a larger group and be less likely to stress out.

That being said, you still need to do some things to ensure your Rosy Red Minnows are happy and healthy. This section will review some of the Rosy Red Minnow care basics.

Rosy Red Minnow: Aquarium Size

The minimum aquarium size for them is 10 gallons. However, it is always best to go with a larger tank. A 20-gallon tank would be ideal. It would give the fish plenty of space to swim around and explore. It would also give you some flexibility when stocking the tank.

Rosy Red Minnow: Water Parameters

Rosy Red Minnows are a freshwater fish species. They are found in streams, ponds, and lakes. In the wild, they typically inhabit slow-moving waters with plenty of vegetation.

When keeping them in an aquarium, you should replicate their natural habitat as much as possible.

The ideal water temperature for Rosy Red Minnows is between 60° to 78° Fahrenheit. The pH level of the water should be between 6.5 and 8.0. The water hardness should be between 5 and 18 dGH.

However, Rosy Red Minnows are a very hardy fish species. They can tolerate a wide range of water conditions. So, if your water doesn’t match up perfectly with the ideal parameters, don’t worry. These fish can still do well in your aquarium.

Remember that sudden changes in water parameters can be stressful for fish. So, if you need to make any adjustments, do so slowly and gradually.

Filtration

When choosing a filter for your Rosy Red Minnow aquarium, you should go with something powerful enough to filter all the water in the tank at least 3 times per hour.

You should also ensure that the filter you choose has a lot of room for media. This will allow you to customize the filter to your specific needs.

As for media, you can use anything from activated carbon to ceramic rings. Ensure you avoid using any media that could release toxins into the water.

Some recommended filters for Rosy Red Minnow aquariums include:

• The Fluval Plus Canister Filter: This filter can filter up to 264 gallons of water per hour. It also has a lot of space for media so that you can customize it to your specific needs.
• The AquaClear Power Filter: This filter can filter up to 290 gallons of water per hour. It comes with various media so that you can get started immediately.
• The Marineland Penguin Power Filter: This filter can filter up to 350 gallons of water per hour. It’s an excellent choice for larger aquariums.

Heating

Rosy Red Minnows are a tropical fish species. In the wild, they typically inhabit waters with a temperature of 60° to 78° Fahrenheit.

When keeping Rosy Red Minnows in an aquarium, you should provide them with a heater so that the water temperature stays within their ideal range.

You can use either an aquarium heater or a submersible aquarium heater. Ensure that the heater you choose is the size appropriate for your tank.

Generally, it would help to choose a heater rated for at least 2 watts per gallon of water.

Some recommended heaters for Rosy Red Minnow aquariums include:

• The Eheim Jager Aquarium Heater: This heater is available in various sizes, so you can choose the one that’s best for your tank. It’s also fully submersible and has an adjustable temperature setting.
• The Hydor ETH Inline External Aquarium Heater: This heater is available in various sizes, so you can choose the one that’s best for your tank. It’s also fully submersible and has an adjustable temperature setting.
• The Zoo Med Aquatic Turtle Heater: This heater is available in various sizes, so you can choose the one that’s best for your tank. It’s also fully submersible and has an adjustable temperature setting.

Lighting

Rosy Red Minnows do not require any special lighting. A standard aquarium hood with fluorescent bulbs will be just fine.

You can use a full-spectrum LED bulb to provide your Rosy Red Minnows with some extra light. This will help to bring out their natural colors.

Some recommended lighting for Rosy Red Minnow aquariums include:

• The Marineland Reef Capable LED Light: This light is available in various sizes to choose the best one for your tank. It’s also reef-capable, providing your fish with the extra light they need.
• The Fluval Sea EVO Saltwater LED Light: This light is available in various sizes to choose the best one for your tank. It’s also reef-capable, providing your fish with the extra light they need.
• The Aqua Illumination Prime Freshwater LED Light: This light is available in various sizes to choose the best one for your tank. It’s also reef-capable, providing your fish with the extra light they need.

Plants

Rosy Red Minnows are not picky when it comes to plants. They will do well in an aquarium with live or artificial plants.

If you’re looking for low-maintenance plant options, consider Java Fern, Hornwort, or Anubias. These plants are all straightforward to care for and don’t require a lot of light or nutrients.

Some recommended plants for Rosy Red Minnow aquariums include:

• The Java Fern: This plant is straightforward to care for and doesn’t require a lot of light or nutrients. It’s also an excellent choice for larger aquariums.
• The Hornwort: This plant is straightforward to care for and doesn’t require a lot of light or nutrients. It’s also an excellent choice for larger aquariums.
• The Anubias: This plant is straightforward to care for and doesn’t require a lot of light or nutrients. It’s also an excellent choice for larger aquariums.

Co2 Systems

They do not require a CO2 system. However, if you are keeping live plants in your aquarium, you may need to provide them with CO2 injection.

Some recommended CO2 systems for Rosy Red Minnow aquariums include:

• The Fluval Pressurized CO2 Kit: This kit is available in various sizes to choose the best one for your tank. It includes everything you need to get started, including a regulator and a needle valve.
• The AquaVita Aquarium CO2 Kit: This kit is available in various sizes to choose the best one for your tank. It includes everything you need to get started, including a regulator and a needle valve.
• The Aquagen Aquarium CO2 Kit: This kit is available in various sizes to choose the best one for your tank. It includes everything you need to get started, including a regulator and a needle valve.

Substrate

They do not require any particular substrate. Standard aquarium gravel will be just fine.

If you want to provide your Rosy Red Minnows with a more naturalistic environment, you can use aquarium sand. This will provide them with a place to burrow and hide.

Some recommended substrates for Rosy Red Minnow aquariums include:

• The Fluval Sea Marine & Reef Aquarium Sand: This sand is available in various colors to choose the best for your tank. It’s also reef-safe, so it will not harm your fish.
• The CaribSea Aquatics Eco-Complete Planted Aquarium Substrate: This substrate is available in various colors to choose the best one for your tank. It’s also plant-safe, so it will not harm your plants.
• The Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum Aquarium Substrate: This substrate is available in various colors, so you can choose the best one for your tank. It’s also plant-safe, so it will not harm your plants.

Decorations

Rosy Red Minnows are not picky when it comes to decorations. They will do well in an aquarium with a variety of different decorations.

Consider driftwood, rocks, or artificial plants if you’re looking for low-maintenance decoration options. These decorations are all straightforward to care for and don’t require a lot of upkeep.

Some recommended decorations for them include:

• The Fluval Driftwood Root Aquarium Decoration: This decoration is available in various sizes so that you can choose the best one for your tank. It’s also safe for all aquarium fish.
• The Penn-Plax Aquarium Rock Cave: This decoration is available in various sizes so that you can choose the best one for your tank. It’s also safe for all aquarium fish.
• The Zoo Med Laboratories artificial plants: These plants are available in various colors and sizes, so you can choose the ones that best fit your aquarium. They’re also safe for all aquarium fish.

Rosy Red Minnow: Other Tank Accessories

There are a few other things that you might want to consider adding to your Rosy Red Minnow aquarium.

These include:

• Aquarium Thermometer: This is a good way to monitor the temperature of your aquarium. It will help you make sure that your fish are comfortable and not too hot or too cold.
• Air Pump: This is a good way to ensure your aquarium has enough oxygen. It will also help to keep the water circulated.
• pH Meter: This is a good way to monitor the pH of your aquarium. This will help you ensure that the water is not too acidic or too alkaline.

You can create the perfect environment for your Rosy Red Minnows by following these tips. They will thrive and be happy in their new home with the right setup.

Rosy Red Minnow: Keeping Them In Ponds

An interesting fact about these fish is that they can actually survive in ponds! This is due to their ability to adapt to different environments. If you’re thinking about keeping them in a pond, there are a few things that you need to take into consideration. 

The first thing is the size of the pond. They need at least 10 gallons of water per fish. So, if you’re planning on keeping a school of them, you need to make sure that your pond is big enough.

The second thing to consider is the depth of the pond. They prefer shallow waters. They like to be able to see the surface of the water, and they need to be able to breathe air. So, a pond that is too deep will not be ideal for them.

The third thing to consider is the temperature of the water. They are cold-water fish, so they can’t tolerate water that is too warm. A pond in the sun will likely get too warm for them during the summer months.

The fourth thing to consider is the pH of the water. They prefer neutral to slightly alkaline water. So, if your pond is too acidic or alkaline, it will not be ideal for them.

By taking these things into consideration, you can create a pond that is perfect for Rosy Red Minnows. With the right setup, they will be happy and thrive in their new home.

Rosy Red Minnow: Water Changes

One of the most important things that you need to do for your Rosy Red Minnows is to perform regular water changes. This is because they are susceptible to changes in their environment.

A water change is simply when you remove old water from the tank and replace it with fresh, clean water. How often you need to do water changes depends on a few factors.

The first factor is the size of your tank. The larger the tank, the less often you need to change the water.

The second factor is the number of fish in your tank. The more fish you have, the more waste they produce. This means that you will need to change the water more often.

The third factor is the type of filtration you have. If you have a good filtration system, it will remove some of the waste from the water. This means that you won’t need to change the water as often.

As a general rule of thumb, you should perform a water change once a week. This will ensure that your fish have clean, fresh water to live in.

Rosy Red Minnow: Cleaning The Tank

In addition to performing water changes, you also need to clean the tank itself. This is because algae and other debris can build up over time. If this happens, it can be harmful to your fish.

Cleaning the tank is a simple process. First, you need to remove all of the fish from the tank. Next, you need to clean all of the surfaces of the tank. You can do this with a sponge and some aquarium-safe cleaner.

Finally, you need to add fresh, clean water to the tank. Once you’ve done all of this, you can add the fish back into the tank.

Rosy Red Minnow: Cleaning The Filter

Another important part of tank maintenance is cleaning the filter. This is because the filter can become clogged over time and will no longer be effective.

Cleaning the filter is a simple process. First, you need to remove the filter from the tank. Next, you need to disassemble the filter and clean all the parts.

Finally, you must reassemble the filter and put it back in the tank.

Rosy Red Minnow: Testing The Water

Another important part of tank maintenance is testing the water. This is because you must ensure the water is safe for your fish.

Testing the water is a simple process. You can buy a water test kit at your local pet store. Once you have the kit, you need to follow the instructions on how to use it.

The kit will tell you the levels of ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates. These are all things that can be harmful to your fish.

You should test the water at least once a week. This will ensure that your fish are safe and healthy.

Rosy Red Minnow: Common Possible Diseases

While these fish are hardy, some diseases can still affect them. The most common disease is Ich. This is a parasitic infection that can cause your fish to develop white spots on their body. 

If you notice any of your fish developing white spots, you should immediately isolate them from the rest of the tank. You can do this by putting them in a separate tank.

You should then treat the disease according to the instructions on the package.

Another common disease is fin rot. This is an infection that can cause your fish’s fins to turn black and fall off.

If you notice any of your fish developing black fins, you should immediately isolate them from the rest of the tank. You can do this by putting them in a separate tank.

You should then treat the disease according to the instructions on the package.

Rosy Red Minnow: Preventing Diseases

You can do a few things to help prevent disease in your fish. You can first quarantine new fish before adding them to your tank.

This is because new fish can carry diseases that infect the other fish in your tank.

It would help if you also kept your tank clean and well-maintained. This will help prevent the spread of disease.

Finally, it would help if you fed your fish a high-quality diet. This will help them stay healthy and strong.

By following these tips, you can help prevent disease in your fish.

Rosy Red Minnow: Treatment And Medications Of Diseases

If you do notice that your fish are sick, you need to take action immediately. The first thing you should do is to isolate the sick fish from the rest of the tank.

You can do this by putting them in a separate tank. You should then treat the disease according to the instructions on the package.

There are a variety of different medications that you can use to treat fish diseases. You can buy these medications at your local pet store.

Some of these medications include:

• Aquarium salt: This can be used to treat various diseases.
• Fungus Guard: This is used to treat fungal infections.
• Ich-X: This is used to treat Ich.
• Malachite green: This is used to treat a variety of different diseases.
• Fin Rot Guard: This is used to treat fin rot.
• Copper sulfate: This is used to treat a variety of different diseases.

These are just a few of the different medications that you can use to treat fish diseases.

Treating the disease as soon as possible can help prevent it from spreading to the other fish in your tank. And by following the instructions on the package, you can effectively treat your fish and get them back to good health.

If you are unsure how to treat a disease, consult your veterinarian. They will be able to give you the best advice on how to treat your fish.

Rosy Red Minnow: Common Behavioral Problems

There are a few common behavioral problems that can affect these fish. The first problem is known as aggression. This is when fish become aggressive towards each other.

If you notice that your fish are becoming aggressive, you should try to figure out the cause. It could be something as simple as too many fish in the tank.

If so, you should remove some fish from the tank. You can also try to provide more hiding places for your fish. This will help reduce aggression.

Another common behavioral problem is known as fin nipping. This is when fish nibble on the fins of other fish.

If you notice that your fish are nibbling on each other’s fins, you should try to figure out the cause. It could be something as simple as too many fish in the tank.

If so, you should remove some fish from the tank. You can also try to provide more hiding places for your fish. This will help reduce fin-nipping.

Rosy Red Minnow: Preventing Behavioral Problems

There are a few things that you can do to help prevent behavioral problems in your fish. First thing first, you can correct the number of fish in your tank.

If you have too many fish in your tank, it can cause aggression and fin-nipping. You should also provide plenty of hiding places for your fish. This will help reduce aggression.

You can also try to feed your fish a high-quality diet. This will help them stay healthy and strong. Following these tips can help prevent behavioral problems in your fish.

Rosy Red Minnow: Tank Mates

Finding tank mates for your Rosy Red Minnows can be a bit tricky. These fish are not aggressive, but they may nibble on the fins of other fish if they are bored or hungry. 

It’s best to find similar tank mates in size and temperament.

Some good tank mates for these fish include:

• Dojo Loach
• Bristlenose Pleco
• Cherry Shrimp
• Hillstream Loach
• Ghost Shrimp
• Amano Shrimp
• Types Of Goldfish
• Mystery Snail (not for ponds)

By finding suitable tank mates, you can help your Rosy Red Minnows stay happy and healthy.

Rosy Red Minnow: Fish To Avoid

• Aggressive fish: These fish may harass or bully your Rosy Red Minnows.
• Nippy fish: These fish may nip at the fins of your Rosy Red Minnows.
• Pond Snails: These snails can overpopulate your tank and cause problems.

Avoiding these types of fish can help your Rosy Red Minnows stay happy and healthy.

Advantages Of Having Rosy Red Minnow In Your Tank

The first advantage of having Rosy Red Minnows in your tank is that they are straightforward to care for. These fish are not demanding and can live in various conditions. They are also very hardy fish and can withstand a lot of abuse.

Another advantage of these fish is that they are very peaceful. They will not bother other fish in your tank and can even be kept with fish that are much smaller than them.

Lastly, Rosy Red Minnows are very attractive fish. They have a bright red color that stands out in any tank. This coloration can add a lot of beauty to your aquarium.

Disadvantages Of Having Rosy Red Minnow In Your Tank

There are a few disadvantages to having Rosy Red Minnows in your tank. The first disadvantage is that they can be a bit messy. These fish produce a lot of waste, which can cause your water quality to decline.

Another disadvantage of these fish is that they are known to nibble on the fins of other fish. This can be a problem if you have other fish in your tank that you do not want to get nipped.

Lastly, Rosy Red Minnows are not the best swimmers. They tend to stay near the bottom of the tank and may not be able to compete with other fish for food.

Conclusion

As you can tell, having Rosy Red Minnows in your tank has advantages and disadvantages. These fish are straightforward to care for but can be a bit messy. They are also very peaceful but may nibble on the fins of other fish. 

Get some if you think these fish would be an excellent addition to your aquarium. You will not be disappointed.

I hope that you have found this article helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to comment below. Thanks for reading!