E-Fauna BC: Electronic Atlas of the Wildlife of British Columbia

Pimephales promelas Rafinesque, 1820
Fathead Minnow
Family: Cyprinidae

Introduction to the Fish

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Source: Distribution map provided by Don McPhail for E-Fauna BC

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Species Information

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 7

Source: FishBase. Page, L.M. and B.M. Burr 1991 A field guide to freshwater fishes of North America north of Mexico. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston. 432 p.

Biology

Species Biology

Inhabits muddy pools of headwaters, creeks and small rivers (Ref. 1739). Also found in ponds and lakes (Ref. 10294). Tolerates unsuitable conditions (e.g., turbid, hot, poorly oxygenated, intermittent streams) (Ref. 1739). Feeds on detritus and algae (Ref. 10294). Introductions consequently caused the spread of the enteric red-mouth disease throughout northern Europe which infected wild and cultured trouts and eels (Ref. 1739). Maintained a relatively high metabolic rate and level of activity under hypoxic conditions (Ref. 77050). Individuals that survived the hypoxic conditions during winter had rapid growth rates after ice-off (Ref. 77048).

Source: FishBase. Page, L.M. and B.M. Burr 1991 A field guide to freshwater fishes of North America north of Mexico. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston. 432 p.

Distribution

BC Distribution and Notes

The first B.C. introduction of this Great Plains minnow was probably via a “bait bucket” into Two Island Lake near Tupper, B.C. Since the original introduction it has turned up in the Fraser Valley and elsewhere in the province. They are usually associated with heavy vegetation and low oxygen conditions.

Source: Information provided by Don McPhail for E-Fauna BC.

Global Distribution

North America: Over much of North America from Quebec to Northwest Territories, Canada and south to Alabama, Texas and New Mexico, USA. Also in Mexico. Several countries report adverse ecological impact after introduction. Asia: Iran (Ref. 39702).

Source: FishBase. Page, L.M. and B.M. Burr 1991 A field guide to freshwater fishes of North America north of Mexico. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston. 432 p.

Status Information

Origin Status	Provincial Status	BC List (Red Blue List)	COSEWIC
Exotic	SNA	Exotic	Not Listed

BC Ministry of Environment: BC Species and Ecosystems Explorer--the authoritative source for conservation information in British Columbia.

Taxonomic and Nomenclatural Links

Genetic and lineage information (NCBI Taxonomy Browser)

Additional Range and Status Information Links

NatureServe Explorer
University of Alaska Museum

Additional Photo Sources

Flickr Image Search
Google Image Search
Images from Calphoto

Related Databases

fishbase

General References

FishBase References
Google Scholar Search

Recommended citation: Author, Date. Page title. In Klinkenberg, Brian. (Editor) 2021. E-Fauna BC: Electronic Atlas of the Fauna of British Columbia [efauna.bc.ca]. Lab for Advanced Spatial Analysis, Department of Geography, University of British Columbia, Vancouver. [Accessed: 2025-01-19 11:50:07 AM]

Disclaimer: The information contained in an E-Fauna BC atlas pages is derived from expert sources as cited (with permission) in each section. This information is scientifically based. E-Fauna BC also acts as a portal to other sites via deep links. As always, users should refer to the original sources for complete information. E-Fauna BC is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of the original information.