Question
Hi, I've had a problem with my new minnows that I got a couple of days ago. I firstly had 5, but 1 got caught in a plant and 1 got stuck in the filter. Both of them died, so I have 3 left. 2 of them have kind of paired together and one of them have hidden underneath the filter. I have tried to get it out, but it won't budge. I don't have a clue how to tell the difference between the genders. When I saw her it looked like she was digging, later she came out finally and was kind of guarding the filter. Please help me out with my problem!

Answer
I'm sorry that your fish got stuck.  Are these rosy red minnows?  If they are sold as feeder fish, they are often sick.  Sick fish are more apt to get stuck and to die when they get stuck.

How big are the minnows?  If you just got them a few days ago, it's not likely that they have settled in enough to even want to think about breeding.  It sounds like they're scared.  If they were feeder fish, they've been brutalized and need time to heal and recover.  Are you treating them with anything?  I suggest adding MelaFix, aquarium salt (a tablespoon per 5 gallons) and maybe even antibiotics or ick medications if they show signs of illness as feeder fish often do.

My page on rosy red minnows is at http://www.fishpondinfo.com/rosies.htm
If you are talking about another kind of minnow, sorry, which one?

Your fish need time to feel safe.  How big is their tank?  What's in it (other animals, filter, etc.?).

Good luck!