Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Fathead Minnow Question

George -- fathead minnows typically begin spawning when water temperatures hit the upper 60s F. They then usually continue through the summer (I'd say at least August).

There is one old study that actually followed an individual female, and she spawned 12 times in one year!

There can be quite a bit of mortality after spawning for both sexes. Fatheads typically don't live too long. A 3 year old fathead minnow is pretty darn ancient. I'm sure most spawning is by the 1 year old fish, and perhaps some 2 year olds. In some places, the age 0 fish that were hatched early in spring may actually spawn by late summer (this doesn't happen everywhere).

Hope this helps,
Dave