What Habitats Do Minnows Live In?

Minnows are part of the largest fish family, the Cyprinidae family. They are small-bodied fish that grow to a maximum of about 12 inches in length. Minnows are fresh water fish and cannot survive in a salt water environment. They can be found in a number of fresh water habitats across the United States; along with fresh water, the fish need a good food supply and few predators.

  1. Geographic Location

    • There are 221 species of minnows in the United States and Canada. Minnow species differ by region. For example, the common shiner lives in streams in the Midwest and Northeast. The brassy minnow prefers the northern United States, while the least chub lives in north-central Utah. Iowa has over 40 types of minnows in its fresh water rivers, lakes and streams.

    Types of Water

    • The minnow is a fresh water fish and cannot tolerate waters of high salinity. They stick to rivers, streams, bogs, swamps and lakes, which have enough oxygenated water for them to survive. They prefer clean water, although a few species can live in water with a small salt content, such as estuaries. Minnows can survive in water between 33 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Most species can adapt to a change in habitat, but some have been wiped out in certain areas; for example, because of a change in stream courses by humans and fouled waters the redside dace, ironcolor shiner and sturgeon chub are no longer found in Iowa.

    Food Supply

    • Small minnows feed on algae, ooze and aquatic plants. Other minnows eat insects, worms, crustaceans, zooplankton and even other minnows. They have fewer than 10 teeth in their throats and no stomach, which means they have to feed on small food.

    Food Chain

    • In their habitats minnows are preyed upon by tertiary feeders. Predatory birds, fish and mammals eat minnows. They are also used by humans as bait for other types of fish. Fathead, bullhead, common shiner and brassy minnows are popular choices for bait. Some large types of minnows, such as the carp, are eaten by humans.

    Pets

    • Minnows are often kept as pets. They are social fish, kept in groups in an aquarium. They are best kept in fresh water between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Use at least a 10-gallon tank for a group of three minnows. Gold fish pellets are a good source of food for minnows, and they need to be fed every 3 to 5 days.