Fathead
Minnows.

Fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) are stocked into a new pond to establish a more complete food chain, which in turn results in faster growth for the bluegill and bass.

They reduce bass predation pressure on bluegill in a new pond, allowing the bluegill to build up better numbers which in turn sustain better long-term bass growth.


Fatheads seldom exceed three inches in size and as a result, are typically eliminated from a pond within a year or so of bass being stocked into the pond; for this reason, they are not recommended for ponds with established bass populations.