• Characteristics - dark olive above with coppery tinge behind head and along sides, sides silvery and belly white; back broad and flat in front of dorsal fin; dusky band or blotch in front and rear rays of dorsal fin; maximum length of about 3 inches
• Distribution - statewide in streams, man-made lakes and natural lakes
• Foods - microscopic plants, small insects and their larvae
• State Record - not recorded
• Expert's Tip - Catch these at your bait shop but don't forget your wallet - they are the most common baitfish sold in Iowa!

For more fathead minnow information, see our printable pdf (102K) or Iowa Fish & Fishing.