Reference Guide > Montana Fish Field Guide > Minnows > Fathead Minnow
Fathead Minnow - Pimephales promelas
Global Rank: G5
State Rank: S4S5
Agency Status
USFWS: none
USFS: none
BLM: none
CFWCS Tier: 3
General Description
The fathead minnow is another native inhabitant in both ponds and streams of the prairie ecoregions of Montana. They are an indicator species of the core prairie fish assemblege found in the Intermittent and Perennial Prairie Stream Aquatic Ecological Systems. This fish also has a limited distribution west of the Divide in Montana, but it is not native to that drainage. This species has been reared throughout the U.S. for use as a forage and bait fish. The reproductive behavior of the fathead minnow is unlike that of most of the minnows which broadcast their eggs and give them no parental care. Fatheads deposit adhesive eggs on the undersides of rocks and logs, and males guard the eggs during their incubation period. The breeding males form small, bony bumps called tubercles on their snouts. These serve no apparent purpose but may be a sign of beauty or prestige in the fish world. The largest fatheads are about 4 inches long. Fatheads can tolerate very low oxygen levels and a wide variety of temperatures. They utilize a wide variety of foods.
Diagnostic Characteristics
Back dark olive or brown, sides dusky, pale below. Young are lighter and have a dark midside band. Breeding males nearly black with two light blotches. Body of adult is stout. Lateral line usually incomplete. Scales ahead of dorsal fin are small and crowded. First ray of dorsal fin is short, thick and blunt - not easily seen on females and young.
Distribution
Montana Range
Habitat
Habitat is highly variable but found mostly in small turbid creeks and shallow ponds of flatlands. Very tolerant of extreme conditions found in a prairie environment ( turbid water, high temperature, and low dissolved oxygen).
Food Habits
Food consists of a variety of minute aquatic plants and animals.
Ecology
Two years is the usual longevity for this species.
Reproductive Characteristics
May reach sexual maturity during 1st growing season. All are mature after 1 yr. Spawns May - Aug. when water temperatures exceed 60 degrees F. Incubation: 4-6 days.
Citations & Sources
Holton, G. D. 2003. A field guide to Montana fishes. Mont. Dept. Fish, Wildl. Parks, 95 pp.
Citation for data on this website:
Fathead Minnow — Pimephales promelas. Montana Field Guide. Retrieved on January 31, 2009, from http://FieldGuide.mt.gov/detail_AFCJB32020.aspx |
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