Bait minnows?

Question
Hello,
No, this this isn't a question on whether or not to feed Bait minnows to the beautiful Oscar cichlids or Clown Knifefishs. But, I have recently 'rescued' over 30 bait minnows who were overflowed out of their tank which then the water and fish went out of the building by a hole in the bottom. We resuced over 30 but only 10 survived we have had one die mysteriously and I tested the ammonia was fine. Anyway, my question is, do you have any idea on what exact species the average 'bait minnow' is? I thought since you have been in the pet business a long time you maybe have heard or known what species it was.
Thank you for your help!
Bye,
Susan.

Answer
Hi Susan;

Good for you! I did the same thing last year with a tank full of baby Jack Dempseys that almost went down the sewer drain. I saved 22 of them, but I lost all but 3. It was sad. They were just too weak after what they had been through.

I am one who always avoids keeping fish that require other live fish to eat whenever possible. I feel the same way about fishing. I have spent most of my life keeping fish alive, I SO hate to be responsible for killing them. Even "catch and release" has it's drawbacks. Injury, fatal stress, etc. However, anyone who wants to and enjoys this sport is fine by me. I just can't personally do it. My husband fishes and he goes with his friends ocean fishing and stream fishing. Hunting is the same to me. Hubby used to hunt deer but he quit when he almost got shot by drunk hunters who couldn't see what they were shooting at. Happened more than once. Fools. Worse, is fools with guns! Oh, well. He could go hunting and bring me a DEAD deer to cut up and freeze and I am fine with that. I just want it DEAD when I get it. We all gotta eat and venison is great meat. Okay, off my soapbox........

I think the species we are looking for in minnows is "Pimephales promelas" known as "Fathead Minnows". If this isn't the one, it would be some other Pimephales.

Followups always welcome....

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins
Wife and Mom of four ;o)