Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Eurasian Minnow

Phoxinus phoxinus

Also called Common minnow, Minnow, Elritze

SpeciesShort profile

From Northern Eurasia; in the strict sense native to rivers draining to the North Sea and English Channel, from the Rhine to Normandy and Great Britain1 2

At a glance the quick version

Length6 to 14 cm3 1 2

Lifespanup to 11 years2

Sizesmall

Lively, tight-knit shoaling fish

Colourful breeding dress on males

Very hardy in cool water

1 3 2

Looks how to spot one

Small, slender, finely scaled fish

A small, torpedo-shaped fish with very fine scales. The sides carry darker blotches or bars over a lighter base. In spawning season males sharpen their contrast, gain red on the throat and belly, and both sexes develop small spawning tubercles.3 1

Coloursbrownish-green to yellow-brown backdark spots or bars along the sideswhitish bellyred belly and throat on breeding males1 3

Personality what they are like

Peaceful, sociable and busy. Minnows stay close to their shoalmates, prefer fish they know, and are quick to react to danger.1 3

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A very active swimmer that likes the upper water layers and some current.3 1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Best in a cool, clean, well-oxygenated pond or a large coldwater aquarium with gentle flow and a gravel bottom. Clean, clear water matters more than warmth.3 1 2

Home where they are happiest

Cool, clear, oxygen-rich streams and lakes with clean gravel. Preferred water is about 12 to 20 °C (FishBase lists 2 to 20 °C), pH 7.0 to 7.5.1 2 3

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Omnivore. Eats insect larvae, small crustaceans such as daphnia, algae and plant bits, and insects that land on the water.2 3 1

Company who they like around

A strongly shoaling fish that lives in large groups, so keep it in a sizeable shoal.1 3

The story where it all began

The minnow has long been a familiar little fish of clear European streams and was traditionally used as bait. Science knows it well too: Karl von Frisch discovered its chemical alarm signal, and it remains an important species in research on fish senses.1 2

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
When a minnow's skin is injured it releases an alarm scent, 'Schreckstoff', that warns the rest of the shoal; Karl von Frisch first described it.1
2
Young minnows start shoaling soon after hatching, and by three to four weeks it becomes their main behaviour.1
3
In the Alps the minnow lives at up to about 2,000 m above sea level.3
4
Minnows can tell how motivated a predator is to attack.1
5
Its eggs hatch in about four to five days at 18 °C.2

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List: Assessed as Least Concern (2024)2
Fish of the Year (Germany / Austria): Fish of the Year in Germany 1991 and Austria 20163

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for an Eurasian Minnow. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Feedingevery day
Water changeAbout 25 to 30% of the waterevery week
Water testevery week
Glass cleanevery week
Filter rinseevery month

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Eurasian Minnow?

Feed your minnow once daily, offering only what it can eat in a couple of minutes. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily feeding, but always follow the food label and check with your vet for exact amounts.2 Pet Wiki plan

What does an Eurasian Minnow eat, and what should it never eat?

As an omnivore, it enjoys insect larvae, small crustaceans like daphnia, algae, and plant bits. Never feed it anything that isn't safe for fish, such as human food or unknown items; ask your vet for a complete safe list.2 3 1

How much space does an Eurasian Minnow need?

This active swimmer needs a large coldwater aquarium or a cool pond with plenty of room to shoal. The exact size varies with group number, so consult a good breeder or exotic-pet vet for your setup.

What temperature, light or water does an Eurasian Minnow need?

Keep water cool, between 12 and 20°C, with a pH of 7.0 to 7.5, and ensure it's clean, clear, and well-oxygenated with gentle flow. Provide normal aquarium lighting, but avoid strong heat.1 2 3

How often should I clean an Eurasian Minnow's home?

Furry Diary's plan suggests a weekly 25-30% water change, plus weekly glass cleaning and filter rinsing every 30 days. Always test water weekly to keep it pristine. Pet Wiki plan

Can an Eurasian Minnow live with others?

Yes, it's a peaceful, sociable shoaling fish that must be kept in a large group of its own kind. It stays close to familiar shoalmates and is quick to react to danger.1 3

How long does an Eurasian Minnow live?

With proper care, it can live up to 11 years. Provide a cool, clean environment and a good diet to help it reach its full lifespan.2

Can I handle an Eurasian Minnow?

Handling is not recommended as it stresses the fish and can damage its delicate scales. Always observe it in the water and use a net only when necessary for tank maintenance.3 1

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

Wikipedia: Common minnow en.wikipedia.orgused for appearance, breeding colours, habitat, shoaling, Schreckstoff, fun facts
FishBase: Phoxinus phoxinus fishbase.seused for range, size, age, temperature, pH, diet, research use, IUCN status
Wikipedia (de): Elritze de.wikipedia.orgused for description, size, habitat, diet, altitude, Fish of the Year

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.