Rosy Red Minnow Care Guide

Rosy Red Minnow (Pimephales promelas) is a beginner-level freshwater fish that needs at least 20 gallons and 50-75°F. The rosy red minnow is a pink color form of the fathead minnow. It is a hardy, cool-water fish that does well unheated and works in cool-water tanks and ponds, but it is not a fit for a warm tropical community.

Care facts at a glance

Quick tips

• Keep a group of six or more.
• Prefers cool water; avoid tropical heat.
• Often sold as a feeder, but is a fine pet fish.

San Diego water

Tolerates San Diego's hard, alkaline tap water (pH roughly 7.6-8.6) with slow acclimation and a conditioner that handles chloramine. Learn the numbers in our San Diego tap water guide.

Before you buy

Make sure your tank is cycled (how to cycle a tank), check your numbers with the water testing guide, and use the compatibility guide to check tankmates. These are general ranges; individual fish and local water vary.