Minnows sold in bait shops..

C

CBTF

;(
Jan 2, 2006
253
0
0
Toronto, Canada
My friend has a tank and regularly goes fishing. He buys those little styrofoam containers full of minnows at a gas station near the river.

Now, he's setting up a tank and is wondering if he put the minnows in there, would they survive? The gas station keeps them in a fridge so that's a concern but when they're being used as bait they're alive.. so.. think they'd just die from the stress?

Tough call.
 
It should be easy enough to keep them in a tank but I would want to know exactly what species they are and what sort of requirements they have. They are probably cool water fish so wouldn't do well in a tropical setup.
 
Also legality may be an issue. In some states if you have over a certain amount of baitfish you need some kind of license. (Here in RI if you have over 100 shiners in a tank you need one).
 
but who will kick down your door and count your fish?...thats what i think somtimes about stupid laws. Kinds where its not really enforced like you get a fishtank you have to get somone to inspect it each month to see if what your doing is legal...
 
Check the laws first. While some may not feel it's a big deal, it is. Getting busted can be costly--not just fines, but loss of hunting/fishing privileges. These laws are NOT made for frivolous reasons, and like all other laws, you should respect them.

Getting a species id would be my first step, but actually, many minnows are very hardy and tolerate cool waters very well. You wouldn't want a heater, and they shouldn't be mixed with tropicals, nor ever released, but many native minnows are stunning specimen. There are a number of websites devoted to keeping native fish.
 
Most of your minniows in a gas station/bait shop are fathead minnows atleast in my area of Nebraska. Most states you can have them unless you are trying to sell them, then you would need a liciense to raise them. If he just wants to have them for a dispay or if he is going to keep them in there for other fishing trips then he will be fine. They are a very hardy fish and he will want cool water with good circulation. These fish are very dirty, so if he is keeping them for a display then he will need a good filter and constant water changes
 
I'm in toronto and i bought some before from a bait shop. They didn't like the warm water and most of them died within 20 minutes. it was only room temperature water. The ones that are the hardiest are the ones with the prickly needle like spines on their dorsal area. I hate those ones when i go fishing cuz the fish never bite them.

The problem i think is they wont know how to eat cuz they dont know to look for food at the top of the tank. Or dead food instead of live for that matter.
 
I believe here in Ontario it is legal to keep any fish that is classified as a bait fish in aquariums. That would be a cool tank if they decide to try it.

Have you been to the Bass Pro Shops in the Vaughan Mills outlet mall? I haven't been yet but I've heard there is a huge native tank with bass, sunfish, all kinds of stuff like that. Could be good for some inspiration.

CBTF I sent you a PM as well. Not sure if you've seen it. You can click Private Messages (in blue) at the top right of the screen to get them.
 
Alright thanks guys. I'll pass this thread onto him, and if he decides to try then i'll be sure to update.

Hook: I recieved the pm, yes. sorry for the lack of a reply but ive been rushed all day (exams are soon and i really havent done much work.) I will look into it, though.
 
Captain Hook said:
I believe here in Ontario it is legal to keep any fish that is classified as a bait fish in aquariums. That would be a cool tank if they decide to try it.

Have you been to the Bass Pro Shops in the Vaughan Mills outlet mall? I haven't been yet but I've heard there is a huge native tank with bass, sunfish, all kinds of stuff like that. Could be good for some inspiration.

CBTF I sent you a PM as well. Not sure if you've seen it. You can click Private Messages (in blue) at the top right of the screen to get them.
Click to expand...

Yeah i've been there, the tank is pretty cool. Theres a HUGE largemouth bass in there. wish i could eat it lol
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom