Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I just recieved approx 24 minnows plus the 3 I already had and would like to add them to my system, but was thinking if anyone knew how to breed these guys? I have always been intersted in breeding fish and rasing my own fish bait would be nice. In my current setup we have a 150 gallon pond, with 14 goldfish in it. I am adding 110 gallons today by use of a large tub and have thought to add the minnows to that, but I am not sure if it is large enough for them to reproduce.

If they are gambusia they will breed very well by them selves. They are a pest in some areas because of their prolific breeding and it may be illegal to transport or keep them, look up your local regulations.

well they were sold as fish bait at a store not far from here. Very common fish to be used for bait so I assume they are legal.

there are many different types of minnows, some are "open water" spawners and you won't get any recruitment in a small tank (emerald or golden shiners)

from what i've found so far, "fat head" minnows are fairly easy to breed, (a strain of fat head minnows is called "rosy red" minnows and can be found at many fish stores)
mosquito fish will breed in a tank as well

I believe I have fat heads, but not the rosey reds. Well shall see. This is about the stage that aquaponics gets exciting