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This US native fish is great for the aquarium and it often develops unbelievable coloration during breeding! (main image is of a fish in breeding colors, fish purchased will not be in breeding colors yet)

The Rainbow Shiner (Notropsis chrosomus) is a small cyprinid species that is native to the Southeasten United States. It is known for its incredible multi-coloration (particularly in males) during breeding season. It can be kept in a room temperature or subtropical aquarium and it is great for planted aquariums.

The Rainbow Shiner typically occupies the top and middle level of the water column, although it can often be seen swimming and feeding in the middle and bottom levels as well. It is safe with other peaceful, small fish and is neither bashful nor brash. Due to its extra small size and peaceful demeanor, it can be safely kept in the community aquarium, though as with most fish, it may eat some shrimp fry. Larger, peaceful invertebrates can also make good tankmates. The Rainbow Shiner must be kept in schools of 6-8 or more, although much larger schools of 10+ are more ideal. Its natural habitat typically consists of shallow, clear water and lots of vegetation. While it can tolerate tropical water conditions as long as water quality is good, the Rainbow Shiner is naturally a subtropical species that will thrive in cooler water, which makes it an ideal tankmate for many ornamental shrimp, Stiphodon and other smaller gobies, and hillstream loaches, among many other species.

While not a picky eater, the Rainbow Shiner will thrive and remain very colorful on a varied diet of mostly carnivorous foods. High-quality flake food, pellets, and live, frozen, or freeze-dried Artemia, microworms, Tubifex, Calanus, and cyclops will all be readily accepted. Some vegetable matter (such as spirulina) is ideal as well.

What We Like About This Fish:

Vibrant coloration, especially in breeding males
Very outgoing and hardy
Peaceful disposition with fish and peaceful invertebrates
Very active and noticeable fish in any aquarium
Ideal for planted aquariums

RECOMMENDED TANK PARAMETERS:

Temperature: 50 - 72° F (10° - 22° C)
pH: 6.5 - 8.0
KH: 2-15 dKH
Minimum Tank Size: 15 gallons for a small school

CARE INFORMATION:

Diet: Micropredator. Will easily accept high quality dry and frozen foods of appropriate size. Requires a varied diet for optimal health and coloration.
Social Behavior: Peaceful, schooling/shoaling.
Origin: Tank-Bred, but indigenous to Southeastern United States
Average Adult Size: 2 - 3 inches (5 - 7.5 cm)
Average Purchase Size: 1 - 1.5 inches (2.5 - 3.8 cm)

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Rainbow Shiner (Notropsis chrosomus), Tank-Bred