Sheepshead Minnow (Cyprinodon variegatus)

Sheepshead minnows (Cyprinodon variegatus) are a small species of pupfish native to the eastern coast of North America from Cape Cod south to the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico as well as the West Indies. They typically inhabit brackish water estuaries, bays, saltmarshes, and lagoons with muddy or sandy bottoms. Sheepshead minnows are tolerant of a wide range of salinities and temperatures, and are often used in research. These fish are sexually dimorphic when mature. Juveniles are patterned with transverse dark bars which the females retain into maturity while the males do not. Breeding males develop a beautiful steel blue coloration on their upper body, mostly in front of the dorsal fin and often develop salmon pink coloration on their underside. 

Sheepshead minnows are hardy and energetic captives that make for attractive and lively additions to a wide variety of brackish aquaria. Males can be territorial with each other but otherwise this fish does well in groups when given adequate space and will generally do well with other fishes in community aquariums. 

Origin: Currently available animals are field-collected and have gone through a preventative quarantine and treatments as necessary.

*Inquire about larger quantity discounts.*

Care Level: Beginner. 

Salinity (SG): 1.000-1.026. Brackish conditions are ideal. 

Diet: Omnivores that are not picky and will accept a wide variety of foods in captivity. Will eat some soft plants and green algae. 

Adult Size: Up to 3.5”. 1”-3” is more common. 

pH: 7.5-8.5

Water Temp: 65-82F

Other Care Preferences: They will eat soft plants and burrow into soft substrates which can disrupt rooted plants. 

NEVER release your fish into the wild or stock public waterways without permission from a government agency!

*We are a licensed dealer and propagator of reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and fish in the state of Pennsylvania. All of our native and game fish (including bullfrogs, northern green frogs, and their tadpoles) come from licensed dealers and propagators with proof of receipt (available upon request to government agencies only). We WILL NOT under ANY circumstance sell any herptiles or fish collected from the commonwealth of PA, so please do not ask!*

Sheepshead minnows (Cyprinodon variegatus) for sale at MJS Reptiles. Live tropical and North American fish, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates for sale online and shipped right to your front door!