How to Breed Rosy Minnows

Rosy red minnows are a strain of fathead minnow. They are exceptionally hardy and reasonably easy to breed. Rosy reds are an attractive fish to keep in their own right and are often bred to provide live food for larger fish.

Things You'll Need

  • 10 gallon or larger fish tank
  • Rocks, pots and plants
  • Dried and live fish food
  • Heating, lighting and oxygenating equipment
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Set up your tank. Rosy red minnows need to be kept separate from other fish when breeding to prevent the eggs and fry from being eaten. You need about 2 gallons of tank space per fish. A small 10-gallon tank holds five or six rosy red minnows. Include a variety of rocks, plants and pots for them to spawn in.

    • 2

      Medicate new fish. A batch of rosy red minnows sold as feeder fish are likely to be infested with parasites and pathogens. Rosy reds aren't usually cared for particularly well because they are intended as a snack for larger fish and to be eaten more or less straight away.

    • 3

      Remove excess males. Males fight at breeding time, although not seriously. To make the breeding process smoother allow about five females per male. Because it is almost impossible to sex rosy reds before maturity, it is advisable to have a large tank or move the individuals you wish to breed from a community tank into a smaller one when they reach maturity.

    • 4

      Feed supplemental live food. Rosy reds are omnivores and will eat practically anything. However, high quality food conditions them for breeding. Daphnia (water fleas) are a good choice.

    • 5

      After spawning, let the male care for the eggs until they hatch in a couple of days. Feed the fry on micro worms or egg yolk. They will eat crumbled fish flakes, but higher quality food supports healthy growth.