Rosy Red Minnow – Pimephales promelas
The Rosy Red Minnow (Pimephales promelas) is a hardy freshwater schooling fish known for its soft rosy pink to orange coloration, active behavior, and adaptable nature. A selectively bred color morph of the Fathead Minnow, this peaceful fish is a popular choice for beginner aquariums, community tanks, and pond setups.
Rosy Red Minnows are active, social fish that do best in groups. Their durability, peaceful temperament, and cooler-water tolerance make them a versatile option for aquarists looking for a lively schooling fish with easy care requirements.
Key Features
- Rosy pink to orange coloration
- Hardy and adaptable freshwater fish
- Peaceful schooling behavior
- Good choice for beginner aquariums
- Can work in aquariums or outdoor ponds
- Best kept in groups of 6 or more
Care Guide
- Scientific Name: Pimephales promelas
- Common Name: Rosy Red Minnow
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful and active
- Adult Size: Approximately 2–3 inches
- Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons minimum; larger recommended for groups or pond setups
- Tank Level: Mid to upper levels
- Water Temperature: 64–78°F
- pH Range: 6.5–7.5
- Diet: Omnivore
- Lifespan: Typically 2–3 years, sometimes longer with excellent care
Why Choose Rosy Red Minnows?
Rosy Red Minnows are a great choice for aquarists who want a hardy, peaceful, and active schooling fish. Their soft pink-orange coloration adds warmth to the aquarium while their constant movement creates a lively display.
Because they tolerate cooler water better than many tropical fish, Rosy Red Minnows can also be a good option for certain pond setups or unheated aquariums with compatible tankmates.
Ideal Tank or Pond Setup
Rosy Red Minnows do best in clean, stable water with open swimming space and areas of cover. Plants, rocks, driftwood, and decor can help create a more natural environment while still leaving room for schooling activity.
For ponds, provide good water quality, oxygenation, and protection from extreme conditions. For aquariums, use reliable filtration and regular water changes to keep the group healthy and active.
Compatible Tankmates
- Danios
- White Cloud Mountain Minnows
- Corydoras catfish with compatible temperatures
- Peaceful livebearers with compatible temperatures
- Other peaceful community fish of similar size
- Goldfish in larger suitable setups
- Snails
- Shrimp with caution and proper cover
Tankmates to Avoid
- Large predatory fish
- Aggressive cichlids
- Very warm-water tropical fish if kept in cooler setups
- Very slow or delicate fish that may be stressed by active swimmers
- Fish small enough to be harassed or outcompeted
Diet & Feeding
Rosy Red Minnows are omnivores and accept a variety of aquarium foods. Feed quality flakes, micro pellets, small granules, frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and other appropriately sized foods.
A varied diet helps support healthy color, activity, and overall condition. Feed small portions that the group can consume quickly.
Care Tips
- Keep in groups of 6 or more
- Provide open swimming space
- Maintain clean, oxygen-rich water
- Choose tankmates with similar temperature needs
- Use reliable filtration and regular water changes
- Feed a varied omnivore diet
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Rosy Red Minnows good for ponds?
Yes. Rosy Red Minnows can do well in outdoor ponds with clean, oxygen-rich water and appropriate seasonal conditions.
Do Rosy Red Minnows need to be in groups?
Yes. Rosy Red Minnows are social schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least 6 or more.
Are Rosy Red Minnows beginner-friendly?
Yes. They are hardy, adaptable, and easy to care for in a stable aquarium or pond setup.
How long do Rosy Red Minnows live?
They typically live 2–3 years in aquariums, and may live longer in well-maintained setups.
What do Rosy Red Minnows eat?
They eat flakes, micro pellets, small granules, frozen foods, and small live foods. A varied diet is best.
Can Rosy Red Minnows live with shrimp?
They can live with adult shrimp in planted aquariums with cover, but tiny baby shrimp may be eaten by many fish.
Are these fish available for shipping?
No. Live fish are available for in-store purchase or local pickup only at Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo
Rosy Red Minnows are hardy peaceful schooling fish for aquariums, pond setups, and active community displays with suitable tankmates. Visit Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to shop freshwater fish, schooling fish, pond fish, live aquarium plants, fish food, filtration supplies, and aquarium care products. Live livestock is available for in-store purchase or local pickup only.
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