Fathead Minnow Facts

The fathead minnow is a small freshwater fish found across many areas of northern America. During breeding, the males will transform into a rich black body with two colorful vertical stripes. They grow tubercles on their head, which are believed to be used for cleaning the surface under a rock or ledge for the female to lay her eggs.

The male will entice the smaller female into the nest. Then, he will attempt to flip her so she lays hers eggs on the bottom of the dwelling. Next, he will fertilize the eggs. The male can also coat the developing embryos with a protective mucus secreted from his tubercles.

The fathead is one of the few minnows that provide parental care. An individual male will protect a nesting site with often over 12,000 embryos to look after. And you thought you had a lot responsibility?

Video, sound, music and editing by Jeremy Salo
CLV Proudctions, LLC

References: http://calfish.ucdavis.edu/species/?u...
http://fieldguide.mt.gov/speciesDetai...
https://www.researchgate.net/figure/F...