While fathead minnows do use nests during spawning, their nests differ from other minnow species. Fathead minnows deposit their eggs on the undersides of logs, roots, rocks, lily pads and even inside beer cans. Several females deposit eggs in the same nest. After spawning, males chase away the females and then remain with and guard the nest until the eggs hatch. Because of their small size, fathead minnows are an important food item for a number of fish and wildlife species.
Fishermen also find fathead minnows important.
These fish are raised commercially for bait and for stocking in farm ponds as forage for game fish. Fathead minnows are also the most commonly used fish in toxicity studies. River Chub River chubs are stubby looking minnows with small eyes. They have large scales, edged in black, covering their generally silvery bodies. While they normally average four to six inches in length, they can grow as long as eight inches.