The easiest and quickest way to separate the fathead from the bullhead minnow is to look for a distinct spot at the base of the tail where the tail meets the body. Caudal spot feature is same for the bluntnose minnows but if you don't have bluntnose then they will be bullhead minnows. Adult mature bullhead minnows will often have a dark spot at the front base of the dorsal fin.
Bullhead minnows have a more rounded snout than fatheads. Lateral line is hard for the casual observer to see, but fatheads have a incomplete lateral line that ends 2/3 the way back toward the tail whereas bullhead and bluntnose minnows have a compete lateral line. Get a few good side close-up pictures of the fresh dead minnows and I could hopefully help verify the ID.
Last edited by Bill Cody; 05/10/20 10:45 AM.
