Newalla Fish Company
Fathead Minnow (Small & Medium) – FREE SHIPPING
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Essential Forage and Baitfish for New Ponds
The Fathead Minnow (Pimephales promelas) is a cornerstone species in freshwater ecosystems, renowned for its adaptability and prolific breeding. These minnows are ideal for stocking ponds and lakes, providing a reliable food source for larger predatory fish such as bass and catfish. Their hardiness and ease of care make them a preferred choice for both novice and experienced aquaculturists.
Approximate Quantities by Weight:
Small 1 1/2": Ideal for starting a forage base or feeding fingerling bass and crappie. Easily consumed by smaller predators.
- 1lbs - 250
- 2lbs - 500
- 4lbs - 1000
Medium 2 1/4" - Most commonly used size for pond stocking. Perfect for feeding mid-sized bass, hybrid striped bass, and catfish.
- 1lbs - 160
- 2lbs - 334
- 4lbs - 668
Note: Fish are graded by width. Length and counts are approximate.
SHIPPING:
We can ship Fathead Minnows to the following states:
Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia
If your state is not listed above, Fathead Minnows cannot currently be shipped to you due to state regulations.
Care Instructions
To maintain the vitality of Fathead Minnows, keep them in clean, well-aerated freshwater. They thrive in a variety of water conditions and are known for their resilience, making them suitable for various aquaculture applications.
Why Choose Fathead Minnows
- Prolific Breeders: Ensures a sustainable food source for predatory fish.
- Hardy Species: Adaptable to a range of water conditions.
- Versatile Use: Ideal for stocking, bait, and ecological balance in aquatic systems.
Order Now
Enhance your aquatic ecosystem with the reliable and hardy Fathead Minnow. Whether for stocking or bait, these minnows are an essential addition to any freshwater environment.
SHIPPING POLICY:
- Minnows, Goldfish, Black Salties & Shiners – Deliver on Tuesdays and Fridays
2025 Holiday Season Update: Orders placed December 6 – January 3 will ship after January 3 to avoid holiday carrier delays.
Note: Products are typically shipped via FedEx, Newalla Fish Company reserves the right to deliver your order directly if it improves survival or timing. We won’t refund shipping fees on orders delivered by our team — in fact, it often costs us more than standard shipping, but we do it to ensure the best results.
Questions about this product
How can I help fathead minnows reproduce in my pond?
Give your fathead minnows submerged nesting surfaces. Females attach their eggs to the undersides of hard objects, and males guard the nests until the eggs hatch.
A simple setup uses untreated cedar shingles pushed into the shallow pond bank. Space them about 2–3 feet apart, tilted roughly 45 degrees from the bottom, with the nesting surfaces no more than 18 inches below the water. Leave space underneath for the minnows to enter, and check after water-level changes so the nesting surfaces stay submerged. This follows the Missouri Department of Conservation’s spawning-habitat guidance.
Provide several nesting sites because breeding males defend their own territories. When stocking for reproduction, include a range of minnow sizes. Males generally grow larger than females, so choosing only the largest fish can leave too few females.
Fathead minnows can spawn repeatedly during warm weather, making these shallow nesting areas useful throughout the spawning season.
How do I choose between pond forage and fishing bait?
Start with the job you need the fish to do. For pond forage, consider the predator species, predator size and whether you want immediate food or a reproducing population. For fishing bait, choose a size suited to the fish you are targeting and check the bait rules for the water you will fish.
Will larger forage fish be protected from predators?
Larger fish can be harder for some predators to swallow, but size alone does not protect them. Match the forage size to the predator fish and your goal. A fish bought as immediate food and a fish bought to establish breeding stock may call for different choices.
Why are baitfish counts approximate on weight-based listings?
Fish of the same species vary in size, so a pound of small fish contains more individuals than a pound of larger fish. Use the selected weight and size grade when comparing packages. Approximate counts help with planning; they are not exact-count packages.
How do I confirm my delivery date?
Please contact us before ordering if you need a particular date. We will confirm the shipping and arrival dates for your order. Availability, permits, weather and carrier service can affect timing. Overnight service describes transit after shipment, not the day after you order.
Can the fish sit on my porch until I get home?
No. Arrange for someone to be present when FedEx delivers, receive the fish immediately and introduce them into their prepared pond or tank within 15 minutes of the logged delivery time. Direct sun, extreme heat or extreme cold can quickly become fatal. If nobody can be there, contact us before the shipment is scheduled.
More questions? Visit our full FAQ, or contact us.
