What size tank do rosy red minnows need?
At least 20 gallons (76 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 20 gallon high. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish in a proper group, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Pimephales promelas.
How many rosy red minnows in each tank size?
This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if rosy red minnows are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.
| Tank | How many rosy red minnows |
|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small |
| 10 gallon | Too small |
| 20 gallon long | up to 8 |
| 29 gallon | up to 11 |
| 40 gallon breeder | up to 16 |
| 55 gallon | up to 22 |
| 75 gallon | up to 30 |
| 125 gallon | up to 51 |
Check rosy red minnows against your own tank and other fish
Good to know
- Keep at least 6. Alone or in twos and threes, rosy red minnows hide, stop eating well, or pick on each other.
- It prefers cool water. Do not mix it with tropical fish that need a heater.
Tank mates for rosy red minnows
These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.
- Zebra danio
- Peppered corydoras
- Bloodfin tetra
- White Cloud Mountain minnow
- Japanese ricefish
- Hillstream loach
- Panda corydoras
- Rubber lip pleco
Poor matches
- Betta: No shared temperature: rosy red minnow wants it cooler than betta can take.
- Guppy: Their temperature ranges barely overlap: Rosy red minnow likes 50–72 °F (10–22 °C), Guppy likes 72–82 °F (22–28 °C).
- Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
Questions and answers
What size tank do rosy red minnows need?
At least 20 gallons (76 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 20 gallon high. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many rosy red minnows should be kept together?
At least 6. Rosy red minnows are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. More is better if the tank has room.
Can rosy red minnows live in a 10 gallon tank?
No. Rosy red minnow needs at least 20 gallons (76 liters).
What temperature do rosy red minnows need?
50–72 °F (10–22 °C), with a pH of 7–8. In a normal room that usually means no heater.
Can rosy red minnows live with a betta?
It is not a good match. No shared temperature: rosy red minnow wants it cooler than betta can take.
More fish
Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.