Flathead Minnows

The fathead minnow is an ideal baitfish species for pond stocking, and due to its many positive attributes is the most recommended baitfish as a purely forage species. The fathead minnow has a thick body with a blunt head and small mouth. Fathead minnows are normally dark olive on the upper body, with a lighter silvery shade below, and have a black stripe along the middle of each side. 

Fatheads usually live only a few years. Fathead minnows are found over much of North America, ranging from Canada to northern Mexico. They are commonly found in slow streams, ponds and lakes, and wetlands. Fathead minnows eat a variety of animals and plants mixed with mud, because they feed on the bottom.