how long does it take for a minnow to grow into an eatable size fish?

Question

I see minnows in the lake all the time, will these grow into catchable fish?

Answer 1

Although many people refer to all small fish as minnows, the taxonomic definition of minnows includes fish only in specific taxonomic "Families". Whether taxonomically a minnow or not, the growth of a fish depends on the species and the environmental conditions (primarily water temperature and food supply). Most species in the taxonomic definition of minnow never grow larger than a few inches in length, although some (such as the carps) may grow to 2 feet or more in length. Most, but not all, species of freshwater fish (such as trout or bass) that we consider to become "catch-able fish" or "eatable size" take at least 2 years to grow to be "pan size". Smaller fish can be eaten at a much smaller size (e.g. sardines and anchovies - which are not taxonomically "Minnows"). Some cultures have cuisine that utilizes other small fish.

Answer 2

First, understand that when you say "minnow" you could be talking of one of 3 things...

1. There is a called the Eurasian Minnows which are fairly small with adults growing to no more than about 14 centimeters in length.

2. Minnow has been used to describe any member of certain families of fish such as Cyprinids.

3. Many people refer to any small, usually juvenile fish as minnows.

So it's difficult to answer your question without knowing which definition of minnow you are refering to.



But assuming that any given fish will actually grow large enough to a respectable and edible size (say 6 inches or more), 6 months to a year given ideal growing conditions (ie: no predation, ample food, excellent growing environment)

Answer 3

This of course that depends on a large amount of variables. For example.... type/species of fish... every fish grows at a different rate some it could take a few years and others would be eatable in about 1 year..... water temperature very cold water is a cause for slower metabolic rate while it does produce a better tasting fish as any ice fisherman can tell you ..... food sources ....plenty of brine shimp and other organisms will produce a faster growth rate than a body of water that is mainly plankton and algae.... just to give you a few

Answer 4

Minnows are food for other fish.
The largest I've seen was on a fishing trip in Florida.
A bait shop sold minnows....actual minnows!.... that were over 6" long!
You fished them on the edge of lilly pads for very large bass.

Answer 5

minnows never grow to more than 2 or 3 inches in length!

Answer 6

about 2 % ( rest are fish food as opposed to food fish )