Dive into the mesmerizing world of the Rainbow Shiner (Notropsis chrosomus), a native gem from the Southeastern United States! Renowned for its breathtaking multi-coloration, especially during breeding season, this small cyprinid species brings a touch of brilliance to any aquarium. While the main image may showcase a fish in breeding colors, rest assured that the fish you purchase will eventually develop these unbelievable hues. Perfect for planted aquariums, the Rainbow Shiner thrives in room temperature or subtropical environments. It gracefully occupies the top and middle levels of the water column, occasionally exploring the middle and bottom regions. With its peaceful nature, it coexists harmoniously with other small, peaceful fish, making it an excellent addition to community tanks. To truly appreciate the Rainbow Shiner’s beauty, it’s best kept in schools of 6-8 or more, ideally in larger schools of 10 . Its natural habitat consists of shallow, clear waters teeming with vegetation, mimicking its preferred aquarium conditions. While it tolerates tropical water, it thrives in cooler temperatures, making it an ideal companion for ornamental shrimp, smaller gobies, and hillstream loaches. Feeding this delightful species is a joy, as it readily accepts a varied diet of high-quality dry and frozen foods, supplemented with live or freeze-dried treats like Artemia, microworms, and Tubifex. Spirulina and other vegetable matter also contribute to its optimal health and vibrant coloration. What We Like About This Fish: Vibrant coloration, especially in breeding males Outgoing and hardy nature Peaceful disposition with fish and peaceful invertebrates Very active and noticeable in any aquarium Ideal for planted setups 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. Varied diet of high-quality dry and frozen foods supplemented with live or freeze-dried treats. Vegetable matter like spirulina is ideal. 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)
