What Eats Minnows?

Most minnows are actually species found in the Cyprinidae family, and favor warm, mid-sized, unpolluted rivers. While some minnows like the fathead remain minuscule in size, others can grow up to 12 inches in length. Fish that fall under the classification of minnow include such species as the common and grass carps, fatheads, chubs, daces and shiners.

History

There are over 2,100 species of minnow in North America, Eurasia and Africa. Many of the species are good as "fish bait," valuable for catching larger fish. Minnows also serve as a valuable food source for larger fish and water fowl.

Function

Minnows are an important part of the diet of birds like kingfishers and certain water fowl such as common mergansers, a species of diving duck native to the Northern Hemisphere.

Benefits

The silvery-colored Fallfish, native to New York, is also a favorite food of birds such as the osprey.

Significance

As fathead minnows only grow up to two or three inches in length, they are important for feeding larger game fish. They are often raised for bait.

Function

Minnows are also a favorite food source for other animals and birds such as freshwater turtles and raccoons.

Resources

• Kids' Inquiry of Diverse Species
• Facts on the Common Merganser